John S. Gordon - Business and Personal Coach

"You have the greatness and the power.  I just help you turn on the switch."

MARVELOUS MONDAYS

 

March 3, 2014 - Issue 267

 

THE APPAREL OFT PROCLAIM THE MAN

 

 

 

 
Dear ,

 

Welcome to Issue 267.  The mission of "Marvelous Mondays" is to offer an inspirational thought, a practical exercise, some humor, or a simple tip to jump-start your week and to enhance your life, business, outlook or relationships. 

 

Please feel free to forward "Marvelous Mondays" to others who will enjoy it.   

Did you miss a previous issue?  Click here to view an Archive.   

 

 

APPEARANCE AND SARTORIAL STATEMENTS

 

People often express their image and their values by their clothes and by their grooming.  

The spectrum is wide and ranges from placing little value to elevating this to the highest of importance. Some of the wardrobe at the Oscars is an example of what is known as an overstatement or "sartorial splendor".

 

SHAKESPEARE

In Hamlet, the wise Polonius, in his advice to his son Laertes says " the apparel oft proclaims the man". However, preceding that statement was Polonius' warning not to wear gaudy clothes. Polonius' statement has been taken out of context and hence today we hear, "the clothes make the man". While clothes can make a statement, we all know that the substance of the person matters far greater than his appearance.   

 
THE STYLISH ATTORNEY

There once was an attorney here in Kansas City who took pride in his appearance. His tailored suits were always crisply pressed. He wore French Cuffs, well polished shoes, and beautiful neck wear. He was highly respected in his profession,  in his civic and charitable work, and in his church. His attire was never over the top but very tasteful and stylish. 

THE ATTORNEY'S WIFE

 

The lawyer's wife was also very stylish and  a lovely lady, however, things out of order really bothered her, like an uneven hung picture or wrinkled clothes.  

 

THE BARBER

 

The year is 1974 and this prominent attorney is getting his usual two week haircut with the same barber he's had for over 25 years. Long side burns were then quite vogue and the attorney decides he too will let his sideburns grow. Over a period of a couple of months,  the Attorney's wife notices that one sideburn keeps getting shorter and the other one keeps getting longer. This really bothers her and she confronts her husband and asks if the barber is going blind. She then says "you have to just find a new barber and quit this one." The lawyer then admitted , "yes , my barber is going blind, but I am his only customer. If I quit him, what will happen to him?"  I will not abandon him."

 

THE EXERCISE

The lawyer chose loyalty and the dignity of his barber over his own ego and pride.  By the way, the lawyer was NORMAN GORDON, my father and my mentor.

This week I invite you to do the following:
  1. Is there a time that you swallowed your own pride to preserve the dignity of another? 
  2. Be observant of any situation in your personal or business life that you can put aside your own need to be right in order to build the self esteem or confidence of someone else.  
Feel free to share your own experience with this exercise.  I look forward to that conversation.

  

"yes my barber is going blind and I'm his only customer. But I'm not going to quit him if I abandon him now what will he do?" - Norman Gordon, 1974  


JOHN'S BIO
John has owned several businesses and is an attorney who has practiced in the business and estate  areas.  In addition, he coaches business owners, executives, entrepreneurs, professionals, speech makers and presenters.  He also coaches persons who are determined to accelerate their careers and leadership skills or who are considering a career move or retirement.  John uses coaching as a tool in his leadership and business results based consulting.  He is also a life coach.

                   **John is currently accepting a few new coaching clients.**