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The effect of external appearance
It has never been clearer to me how much effect my hair has on how I see myself and how others perceive me
๐ When Fabiana cut her hair from long to short, she not only changed her external appearance, but also began a journey through the complex world of self-perception and the perception of others.
In many cultures and societies, certain standards of external appearance are considered accepted, ranging from gender roles and professional requirements to social expectations.
Long hair is often associated with femininity, while short hair tends to be considered masculine.
These gender stereotypes can lead people to make assumptions about a person's personality based on their hair length, for example.
Did Fabiana feel this? YES! Since Fabiana has shorter hair, she is thought to be more confident, tough, and brave. For her, the change was an expression of self-determination and liberation from social "norms".
What conclusions can we draw from this for you as a leader?
โ Be aware of diversity: Be attentive and make sure that you are aware of the diversity of people in your team and in the organization. Avoid biases and stereotypes about appearance and promote a culture that supports diversity and inclusion.
โ Promote authenticity: Encourage yourself and your employees to be authentic and accept themselves, regardless of outward appearance. Support individual choices regarding outward appearance that are consistent with company policies.
โ Education: Utilize training and educational opportunities to raise awareness of biases and stereotypes. These trainings can help raise awareness of the impact of bias and promote diversity management.
Let's do this! ๐