Posted By Philby' I'm not available Friday so here goes.... With reference to several threads concerning 'our' dire and killjoy image...and the evidence of music, clothing, past-times and a certain calendar, which provides to the contrary... I am acutely aware of the need to look and be professional and, I think, I at least manage the former. However, one of my senior managers has made a very serious effort to corner me about my dress code. I looked at my feet, not in shame but to check that I hadn't put my German Infantry boots on, and was amazed to be informed that I should know better and that a tie would normally befit my status. Biting my tongue about status and remuneration, yet another few threads here, I listened to the corporate 'Guy Hedges' speak to which I muttered a 'oh well, we've been told to challenge and change it and I did' and wandered off, well we do have to sign out for ciggie breaks and it was my time. Now I know some of you out there have had the dubious pleasure of working with me, complete with a coloured mohican, fatigues and boots, and, when appropriate, a suit and mohican...but the question of a tie never came up! (hello Gilly, Richard, Charlie, Sara, Paul, Sarah, Jane, Joolz, Lee, Andy, etc)...Mohican now gone but strangely looking as if it may return. Strangely the area I came from was, (apart from the fourteen years in the motor trade as a car sparky), Museums and Galleries, who traditionally have beaten H&S proffessionals into silver medal place in numerous olympic tweed and patch events. AhA...after several interuptions from the phone I've forgotten my profound question...so theres no point to this now other than a rant...somebody cheer me up or I'm going to take up an offer to work as a landscape and market gardener...organic spuds anybody Philby'

Posted By Philby' Descarte, vermiculture...aint that worms and the like? As for the paranormal...just work here in the land of the undead, HR as my firends always point out 'HR is only there to make IT look good' Philby'

Posted By Merv Newman Well, it is nearly Friday, so let's be controversial. Status, remuneration and eventual career prospects depend to a large extent on how you fit with the company culture. Competence is often secondary. (so long as it is at least adequate) The dress code (spoken or unspoken) is a part of that culture. Managers, and workers, have a mental image of how they and other people should dress. If you do not conform to the image appropriate for your level or the supposed status of your position they are not comfortable and you may not receive the respect and attention that your competence deserves. Actually, instead of ranting you should be feeling that lovely warm glow which comes from a senior manager recognising your obvious competence and advising you how to match your appearance with your potential status and that of your position. He obviously feels that if you can get with that part of the company culture then you have good career prospects. First visit to a site (probably a sales meeting) (suit and tie) you start to tune in to the culture, including the dress code. Some management teams - everyone wears a suit and tie. Others jackets with or without ties. One or two I know and EVERYONE wears jeans. I try to match my dress (wrong word. Try clothing) to the people I am working with. Top management presentation or training then it's most often a dark grey suit, shirt and tie. Middle management and it could be the tweed jacket. (sans elbow patches) Training workers and it'll be a pullover and or polo shirt. Never jeans. Never T-shirt. None of this is meant to be condescending. I just find it improves the all-round comfort level. But always with well polished safety shoes even if I never go near the shop floor. Discuss Merv

Posted By Telstar Move over Gilly & Susanah, we have a fashion icon in our midst!

Posted By Philby' I meant white colar history.... and thats with the google toolbar spellchecker....sorry, but as I've said afore on these hallowed portals, spellcheckers are no good for dyslexics!

Posted By Gilly Margrave Hey Philby, I just thought - maybe they could give us one of those telephone boxes that Suoerman uses. It could double up as a smoke room. Then again the Tardis had massive wardrobe space and could solve the problem of lack of office space. Wibble wibble. Gilly;)

Posted By Philby' Gilly, I haven't really got problems, well not like yours as a librarian, I just get bored with defending subjective petty irregularities a) when I've got more important things to worry about and b) when I'm on my way out for a ciggie other than that, 'am a boverd', or 'whatever'...no just had to let off steam, so I did Philby'

Posted By Fred Pratley Ah yes, the attack of the self important, normally opinionated semi-senior manager with nowt better to do with his time. There is a possible antidote - On "dress down" Friday, be truly smart in appearance and on all other days, wear the loudest tie you can find - I have several, ranging from "Daffy Duck" skiing with Bugs on a slope decorated with Xmas trees (can't find an easter bunny) to the largest Taz you can print on a wide bladed tie, to all the characters in South Park and Fred Flintstone. I think they're glad I don't often wear a tie these days!! Nil Carborundum Illegitimi - I think (roll on Friday!)

Posted By Glyn Atkinson How about removal of jewellery to make you a stereotype safety guy?? When I started in this job over three years ago, I was told that the wearing of two small earrings in one ear would take away the seriousness of my post and role within the company, so take them out please ! This was by a senior manager who was undergoing three years of hand and arm tattoo removal treatment so that his schoolboy fantasies with black ink were worn off and not visible in meetings. Pot - kettle - black ??? Hee Hee , little do they know that I secretly revolt and wear them to courses and off site meetings and inspections !!! And guess what, they don't affect my judgement or skills level in any way whatsoever !! Any one else had this type of treatment ??

Posted By Gilly Margrave Calendar thread was at http://www.iosh.co.uk/in...iew&forum=1&thread=18690

Posted By Fred Pratley Tut, Tut- You posted "one of my senior managers" - not manageress (still in the Oxford Dictionary and therefore PC?)Or have all your managers been neutered? Or are they all dressed in suit and tie, so you can't tell the difference. Anyway, sounds like sexual harrassment, and timed to disrupt a happyy easter break (Stress anyone?)

Posted By Jonathan Breeze Goes well with a tweed jacket!

Posted By Merv Newman Oh. and it's "Carborundus nil illigitimi" plural implied after carborundus. Merv sighs for Ricky Grammar School.

Posted By Ron Young Merv Hope you are using non-flammable polish on your safety shoes!

Posted By Philby' Rochelle... ...are you the same Rochelle as the calendar one... I can understand some of the comments leveled at people with tatoos, my mother went balistic at my first and every one since, but they are all purely subjective and are not a reflection of the persons ability. The only comments I agree with are the ones that reflect poor artwork, or a lack of imagination in some circumstances...dont mean to offend any of the 'I'll have that one', just that mine are personal to me and I had definate reasons for branding myself...none of the tatoos has held me back, and nor has the lack of tie wearing, until now, possibly my attitude to life has, but then I do have a life and some are jealous... Philby'

Posted By Rochelle Cartmell Philby Alas yes I am...............!!!!!!!!!