When I get to the office in the morning, after I set down my briefcase and coat, the first thing I do is go clean off the salt and dirt from my shoes. It’s winter and it’s snowy, so after walking from the train station to the office they are salt covered and dirty.
I take 30 seconds wiping them clean and then I am ready for the day.
Clean shoes are not remarkable, and won’t get noticed, but dirty shoes will distract. I try to limit opportunities for the people I talk to at work to get distracted. The salty shoes also distract me.
Well said. My first ‘real job’ was at a bank in Chicago at which I spent 3 glorious months getting coffee and learning about the markets. The interview process for the internship was pretty grueling (5+ hours, 10+ people). I finished that day tired and apprehesive about my chances. The head of the office walked me to the elevators. He shook my hand, looked me straight in the eye and said “Next time you come back maybe I’ll teach you how to polish your shoes”. Henceforth I shall seek chickenmonkeydog’s council prior to all interviews.
ah, to have a career that involves coats, briefcases and shiny shoes…i commend thee.