Appearance matters. I have had this conversation several times with young leaders and in more than one instance it seems to have fallen on deaf ears. Words relayed about first impressions, professional standards and basic hygiene have been filed by recipients as surface, non-important and old school (and I am not even that old).

Here’s an excerpt from a worthy article on the subject:

When you shake hands with a potential partner, they form an instant impression of you which is not easily dislodged.   First impressions are powerful because until we begin to speak, they are the only bits of information we have to make a snap decision as to whether we like or trust someone.  Countless communication studies have shown a man’s visual appearance is initially more powerful than what he says; ignore your wardrobe at your own risk. [more]