Are Beards OK in the Office?

Unless you’ve been walking around staring at the floor you’ll have noticed that the beard has made a remarkable comeback as the ‘Hipster Beard’. I was at a funeral last week and of the four men under the age of 35* I was the only one not sporting such a beard. In conversation with one chap I found that his beard required regular pruning and even the application of something called ‘Beard Oil’ to give it extra shine.

It looks like I’ve missed the beard trend, not least because as a baldy with an ample post-Christmas belly, all I’d need is fingerless gloves and I’d look like a fisherman. Furthermore I’m not sure what a wiry ginger beard could do for my appearance.

Once upon a time though I remember working in an office in one of my first jobs. I’d only recently started and so didn’t know the office etiquette surrounding beards. After a couple of day’s growth, producing what is also known as Bumfluff, I was approached by my boss, “Daniel, your facial hair isn’t really appropriate in this office. Please make sure you shave tonight and in future do so daily.” After that I kept a razor and shaving foam in my desk draw just in case.

I then remarked about those chaps who do have beards. “Smart beards are fine, however the growth stage looks scruffy so if you want a beard I suggest you grow one when you next have a holiday of more than a week.” Well and truly told.

So what does a beard say about the wearer?

Well in the past people have associated beards as being scruffy, with some thinking the wearer as being lazy. Some people associate the wearer of a beard as being rough and ready. Beards have been associated with scholarly people such as professors and lecturers and also religious figures. And then there is the designer stubble, which for many is the height of trendiness. With so many people sporting the beard these days they can’t all be a result of laziness can they? As my friend with the beard oil has shown, the work which goes into such beards is highly demanding, not least because one must get through the itching stage.

So what are your thoughts? Is it ok to wear a beard to work in a 21st Century office? Or should beards be banned? And what does the beard say about the wearer?

5 Reasons to Quit a Job You Love

I felt like I was on the top of my game: I had a great boss, loved my team, was getting high profile projects, and visibility with senior leadership. So I did what any sensible person would do: I quit. That's what you would do right? After I put in my notice I started doubting myself and asking if I was crazy. Who leaves a job they love? Especially in a society of people who don't like their jobs? I do. And perhaps you should to. So when do you leave a job you love? Here are a few thoughts:

When the job no longer fits the vision you have for your career. Everything you do is either moving you closer or further away from your vision. While a position may have started out with the right alignment, you may have gained what you needed from that position. Understand the end game and think about what will take you there. Look at your target position and understand what makes a person successful in that position. It won't be a one-size-fits-all but most likely you will see some key traits and skills you should be proficient at. Maybe you need to lead a bigger team, or do a rotation in finance. Keep in mind, the road to your goal may not be a straight shot. Detours can be valuable for your career as well. Focus on making them strategic detours.

When you identify a gap in your toolkit that can't be filled where you are. As briefly mentioned above, if you identify a key trait you need to build, understand what options are out there for you. I have heard many people in the C-Suite mention doing time in sales or finance has helped make them successful in their positions. Understand the experiences that will help you round out your leadership and decision making and focus on finding a position that will support that.

When you are no longer growing or your job is so easy you are becoming complacent. If you aren't growing the probability of becoming complacent is high. While it's nice having an easy job for awhile, it's important to be developing and doing things that stretch you as a leader. You may be able to achieve this in your current position by asking for new responsibilities - perhaps even taking some of your boss' workload. However, if growth opportunities aren't sufficient enough you may need to consider a different job. Whatever you do, don't let complacency creep in because eventually someone will come in and outperform you and it will be a struggle to catch back up.

When you and the company no longer have value alignment. Companies change. This can especially be true when a new leader comes on board. Your job may still be great, but you may not have value alignment. This ultimately means you won't be as passionate about initiatives the company tackles. Some values speak to us and some don't. Cigna Health Care came out with a brand of "go you". The premise was "why aren't you living your dream today? Just go for it." That really spoke to me. Recently, I noticed their branding changed to "together we win." That does nothing for me, but obviously does for others. Does your company inspire you? Do you get excited about the work they are doing?

When you've outgrown your company. You may be a big fish in a small pond. Isn't that a wonderful feeling? You're the expert! People are dependent on you and you are highly regarded. BUT, you are no longer surrounded by people or challenges that are going to propel you forward as a leader. Or, you may have a vision that is bigger than what the company can support. If you have great ideas but the company doesn't have the infrastructure or willingness to implement, it's probably time to take your ideas to a company that aligns more with your vision.

If you read this list and feel like it's you, don't go in tomorrow and quit your job. Leaving a job should be strategic. Now you see the gap, it's time to define where you are going and understand which move will get you there. You want to avoid leaving a job on a whim and being a victim of impulsiveness. Justify your decision to leave, map out your plan and don't leave until you have found a good fit. While I still look back on my departure with a bit of bittersweet feelings, I can tell you leaving has challenged my thinking, expanded my skill-set and opened new doors of opportunity.