Classically Beautiful Females, Looking-the-Part Males: Of Course, They Got the Edge, But ...

 It's reality: There are a Beauty Premium and an Ugliness Penalty generated by physical appearance. 

Smirk. In the late 1960s, Dove became a loved brand by celebrating the natural beauty of all females. However, in the workplace certain types of beauty gave women an edge. Still do.

As for males, especially in corporate and professional-services settings, specific body types, height, hair volume and facial features ensure ongoing promotability. So much so that it was a bitter joke among those not meeting those specs to muse about being doomed to middle management. 

But there are myriad variations on this theme.

For example. contrary to popular belief lookism can benefit males more than females. My hunch is that's because too many organizations are still operated via male power. The game is really about them.

In addition, there are ways around this reality. At least for those accepting how things are. 

It is documented that those not the "type" in appearance for sectors tend avoid them. They pursue their fortunes in other settings or other lines of work. 

Although my performance was respected in the traditional Fortune 100, I got it that I wouldn't make it beyond middle management. My body type was Eastern European, not Mayflower WASPY. After I developed my skills I shifted to launching a boutique. Within seven months I was grossing 30% more than corporate. Then, health insurance was cheap. So, the benefit variable didn't factor in, not big time.

In addition, there's the strategy of being not only a star but also not replaceable in the firmament. That's known as the "go-to." 

And how about staying power. Rare in this crazy labor market. Remain with an organization long enough to have a deep memory bank of where the bodies are buried. Leverage that to have more and more access to the goodies. 

So, what about the aging thing? Not a good look. At least in too many lines of work. But in some it can be a plus. Older ministers are more approachable. So are tarot readers - one of my current lines of work. Unlike young people, we tend to not be so full of ourselves. Our identities are already established. We can quiet down on that front.

There's also the option of exiting a geographic region which is youth-based to one such as the southwest which is less-so.

In intuitive coaching I hammer radical acceptance: Go where you have an edge. Don't assume you're going to change the values of the culture. Those include lookism.

Careers. Forget all that. It’s about earning a good living, no matter what.

Complimentary consultation with Jane Genova, StreetSmart Coaching (janegenova374@gmail.com)


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