new thread
I've recently been approached about a management opportunity in my very conservative company at the corporate office in which I work. I currently am not a manager, but suits and ties are the expectation. At 44 I decided to give longer hair a try. Although I keep the front and sides combed back and somewhat trimmed around the ears, the back is now several inches past the bottom of my collar. Not the appearance of other managers in this organization. Need suggestions about what approach to take. To date, I have not been approached about the changed appearance.
If your hair is long enough, you might try pulling it back into a tail and then tuck it inside your jacket or your shirt so it's not noticeable. Or, just wear it pulled back and see what happens.
-J
I'm in a similar situation at a similar age. So far, I've only received one negative comment about my hair length - this from a person who is a blatent brown-noser. As long as your hair, clothes (no jeans in the office), etc. are neat, I don't see an issue. It's the quality and dedication to your work that should impress people in the workplace, not your hair length.
Well, maybe the length of your hair will impress some people. What I meant to write was it shouldn't make an impression on the quality of your work.
If no one has made any comment on your hair and they are asking you to think about the management position, then I say go for the Mgt position if you want to and keep your hair also. If you can get it into a tail you may feel more comfortable, but it really may not be necessary.
Trust that they approached you because you have exhibited qualities that they like/need in a manager. They have not raised the issue. Don't raise the issue. If they raise the issue, be polite but firm that you think you would make a good manager for the following reasons (then list them), and that you hair length is neither a qualification or disqualification. Your hair has not become an obstacle to your current job. It should not to a new one in the same company.
Robert
I started to grow out from a short "conventional" mens haircut around two years ago. I was 38 at the time, and wanted hair long enough to tie back in a ponytail. Like yourself, I too was concerned about how my appearance would be received at work, especially as I often act as a company representative at senior level.
Well now I have the ponytail, and without suffering many of the dire consequences work-wise I originally envisaged.
So what was my approach?. From the outset, anybody wishing to raise an issue about my hair could do so without my help, therefore I decided not to give prior declaration of my intentions to colleagues or superiors,nor did I ask for anyones permission. The one other thing I did, and perhaps the most important, was to aim to keep my hair as clean, tidy and healthy looking as possible. This was particularly difficult during the so-called "awkward stage" as my hair is very thick and naturally curly.
Over the time I have been growing my hair only one person of any importance at work has commented, and it was complementary. Of course, I have had remarks from colleagues and others along the lines of "when are you going to get a haircut?" or "long hair is for girls" etc... I don't find it easy, but when faced with these kinds of insults, I laugh along with the people concerned in the hope that they will get bored and go away...they usually do!.
Robert, from the description given, your present hair length and style does not sound too shocking and seems acceptable to your employer, and if you intend to maintain your hair as it now is, I don't think you need to worry. However, if you want to grow it halfway down your back or beyond you might be forced to make some tough decisions.
Good luck with your promotion.
Sorry about the typo error. I referred to ROBERT in my posting. It should read NEW MANAGER.
I've had long hair since High School (not that long ago). I'm currently a manager. My pony tail is down to my waist. No one has mentioned a single negative thing to me about my hair since High School, shy of the stupid employers out there who don't realize that it's discrimination.
Here's a suggestion: Keep it professional. Of course you should be doing so anyways as a manager.
Good Luck!
-shaddai