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		Ask the Image Expert Sherry Maysonave is the founder and president of Empowerment Enterprises, one of America's leading communication-image firms. Sherry conducts corporate seminars and coaches executives, professionals, and politicians in achieving excellence in communication and image. She is also the author of Casual Power: How to Power Up your Nonverbal Communication and Dress Down for Success Power Dressing for the Overweight Question: How do you tell someone that is overweight that the way they dress is offensive and unflattering without upsetting them or making them resent you? I myself am very overweight so I am not making judgments against the people. I am in Human Resources and they work in Sales so if they dress differently - it could affect our sales. Tammy Answer: You have raised a delicate subject. It's wise of you to know that upset and resentment are guaranteed results, if the communication is not handled properly. This would be an issue for the Human Resource Director and/or the VP of Sales to handle. If you're not in a managerial position, request a meeting with your manager in the HR department or go to the HR Director. To drive home your point and to have your message heard, dress impeccably, striving to be a superb role model yourself. If this HR manager or Director is reluctant to discuss the issue, you may want to suggest that she/he take it to the VP of Sales. You are absolutely correct that this could be having a negative affect upon the company's sales. However, it is unlawful to require a different standard of attire for those who carry extra weight than for those who do not. Weight or age cannot be a factor in what you require someone to wear, as that would be discrimination. Dress policies must be uniformly enforced throughout each department. One tactic to take is the dress code one. Does your company have a dress policy and is it enforced? If not, it sounds like you need one. Research has shown that people who do carry extra weight must work harder to be perceived as professional. There are many slenderizing tips within the context of professional attire that could help your cohorts. There is one such list found in my past responses archived on BlueSuitMom.com web site. You may want to have your HR Director or the VP of Sales review these suggestions. They could then have a private conversation around "goals" with the appointed employee. Within the context of one's sales record and/or goals, it is appropriate to suggest some image changes that could help the person be more successful. The dialogue must be motivational rather than a negative critique, unless the person is violating the company's dress policy. Best of luck to you, Sherry Maysonave Also see: How much makeup should I wear at work? Ask your image questions Personal Power: A case study from 'Casual Power'		Search BlueSuitMom.com Email this page to a friend    C a r e e r   C o r n e r • Join BlueSuitMom on   Facebook • In a Man's World • Professional Organizations • Company Seminars • Career Archive • Small Business Advice • Online Job Search • Entrepreneur's Corner • Sign Up For Our Newsletter Ask an Expert • Image Consultant • Career Coach • Work/Life Coach • Business Coach • Work at Home • Professional Organizer • Emotional Wellness • Business Advisor    C a r e e r   P o l l What is the most important benefit your employer can offer you? Flexible work hours Extended hours/shortened work week Job sharing Telecommuting On-site daycare Take home meals On site dry cleaning View results
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