This pair of brightly coloured footwear came to my attention whilst I was in Switzerland on a development programme. The owner, a delightful young man was very engaging and we discussed the vibrancy of the colours. They certainly break convention for normal business attire. In the case of these shoes they started a great conversation too.
One of the things I am known for are my speeches on first impressions and the impact that we make – indeed there is a special report on this subject in my website Products section. I sometimes tie this in with Insights Discovery – the behavioural preferencing tool that I so love. This tool can help clients take great strides in their knowledge of self, the impact on others and the impact of others on our self too. As a Licensed Practitioner of Insights Discovery I am always delighted to work with people to see their knowledge grow and equip them to gain more from their life – be it business focussed, or wider, all with the power of the colours of Insights.
Now coming back to these shoes and their colour. I am acutely aware that for many business people this type of footwear is not going to ‘cut it’ in city life. We have our ‘uniform’ of business and whilst there is a trend to be more casual, it is interesting to see the smartening up of business people. Especially when they are in a sector of the economy that requires a certain type of dress code.
I am not saying that this young man was running against the grain – he worked in an area where you expect to see creativity and on this occasion it was very evident in the footwear you see. I must say I think the shoes and bright laces are great and certainly put a smile on my face!
As I am somewhat older and more ‘traditional‘ in my dress code it did make me chuckle to think about similar shoes and colour appearing as the selected attire with a pinstripe suite and formal tie….
Now as much as the thought still holds some ‘darishness’ as an extra dimension to my usual dress code it has made me consider where some extra colour would add that extra spice in what I do, and some extra smiles in each day as well.
- So, where do you think that some extra colour could make you feel more alive?
- Where could you do something that is a little ‘edgy’ compared with what you normally do?
- And perhaps, do we sometimes take ourselves too seriously when a little more fun could help us reduce the pressures of daily life?
Interesting thoughts, I hope you agree.
My best wishes,
Peter
