Don’t Hire a Coach Who Wears a Suit

20-30 years ago a professional suit was the standard–today it's casual. Now, this is just me, but when I see a suit I see someone who's trying to manufacture credibility. But a suit is on the outside, and I'm paying for what he/she has on the inside. The suit becomes a distraction in that case.

Suit or no suit, the question evaporates when you begin speaking. Either you're totally credible or you're not, and that point rises and falls on what comes out of your mouth, not what you're wearing.

Hey Kevin,

Thanks for your thoughts on this video! I agree – I remember going to work for a bank and the first thing I had to do was buy three suits and a bunch of ties. What you seem to be getting at here is how a relationship is formed. What comes out of our mouths is a reflection of our hearts, right? So I guess it's safe to say that as we speak and build a relationship, that will drive whether you make a decision to work with someone.

Great thoughts!

A suit seems intimidating to me. I feel more open to someone who wears more lax clothing. It's kind of an ice breaker. I agree with Kevin that when I see someone wearing a suit it makes them seem like they are faking it.

I like that Kevin. “The question evaporates when you begin speaking.” Credibility or lack thereof shows through quickly.

Some are more comfortable with them, but it's not me. I'll lose clients before trying to be someone I'm not.

A suit won't go over very well at all around my group.

We instantly think banker and they aren't our favorite people right now.

Hey James – When I worked in banking, the first thing I had to do was go out and buy a bunch of suits. The funny thing is that since I've left, I haven't worn any of the suits I pruchased.

With much of the corporate world trending toward business casual, and much of the entrepreneurial world trending toward just casual, I think we'll see suits less and less on folks that are capable of getting exceptional results.