After again spending most of

After again spending most of the day in hospital - I remembered another lesson that I had learned whilst I was in there...

Despite trying to maintain my career after Connor was born - I always made sure that I never missed a day by his side when he was in hospital. It certainly caused problems at work - but I was determined to get my priorities right.

On one occassion we were having problems trying to get our point across about a sickness bug he kept getting - so we asked to see his consultant.

The consultant was held in such awe by the nursing staff that they almost bowed to him whenever he was on the ward! To us he had always been polite - but quite abrupt.

On this particular day I had to attend a very important meeting at work and therefore went to the hospital in my suit and tie for the first time.

"Ooh, you look smart!" said one of the nurses almost wolf-whistling. (OK - I thought she did!)

We were waiting in Connor's room as the consultant breezed in as usual.

I can honestly say that he almost stood to attantion as soon as he saw me standing there in my suit! Almost immediately, his attitude towards me completely changed.

He was nodding and agreeing with me as I voiced our concerns about Connor. At one point he even blamed a nurse for something that he himself had forgotten to do!

At the end of our conversation he thanked me and left. We had our request for more tests - and a promise of more vigilance by his nurses in the future!

Without a doubt we wouldn't have got half of what we wanted if I hadn't been wearing my suit and tie.

Sometimes our appearance is the last thing we consider when we are being passed over for promotion yet again - or when we are trying to catch the attention of someone important.

Whether you like it or not - you are judged by what you wear and how you act. You'd be surprised how much difference a new smart suit or dress could make. Just wearing will make you feel taller and more important.

Just because you need to work on your 'inside' - don't forget that the outside creates the first impression of you in other people's eyes.

Posted by vurnumg