In today’s diverse workplace, your actions and motives are constantly under scrutiny.  If you aren’t managing your own professional image, others are.

“People are constantly observing your behavior and forming theories about your competence, character, and commitment, which are rapidly disseminated throughout your workplace,” says Harvard Business School Professor Laura Morgan Roberts. “It is only wise to add your voice in framing others’ theories about who you are and what you can accomplish.”

There are plenty of books telling you how to “dress for success” and control your body language. But keeping on top of your personal traits is only part of the story of managing your professional image, says Roberts. You also belong to a social identity group—African American male, working mother—that brings its own stereotyping from the people you work with, especially in today’s diverse workplaces. You can put on a suit and cut your hair to improve your appearance, but how do you manage something like skin color?

Get answers to these questions and more:  How do stereotypes affect perceived professional image? How do authenticity and credibility influence the positive outcomes of impression management attempts? What are the steps individuals should take to manage their professional image?

Read an insightful interview with Professor Morgan Roberts by clicking here >> READ INTERVIEW