If you didn’t know from before, I love fashion. I’ve found that there’s a lot that public relations can learn from fashion, and vice versa. With that in mind, everyone has a style. So when it comes to public relations, what’s your leadership approach? Do you like all that is sexy? Do you take risks? Do you go for the tried-and-true?
Regardless, let’s just hope you’re not Karl Lagerfeld (Chanel’s premier designer) who earlier this year called Adele fat (EEK!) and had to issue an apology. So let’s get down to it.
1. Are you usually the first to react to a crisis?
a. Always b. Rarely c. Never d. Occasionally
2. Are you more interested in a general idea than in the details of its realization?
a. Occasionally b. Rarely c. Never d. Always
3. Are you inclined to rely more on improvisation than on careful planning?
a. Always b. Rarely c. Never d. Occasionally
4. Are you usually planning your actions in advance?
a. Never b. Occasionally c. Always d. Rarely
5. Are you more inclined to experiment than follow familiar approaches?
a. Always b. Rarely c. Never d. Occasionally
6. You avoid being bound by obligations?
a. Always b. Never c. Rarely d. Occasionally
7. You feel more comfortable sticking to conventional ways?
a. Never b. Occasionally c. Always d. Rarely
8. Your desk is usually neat and orderly?
a. Rarely b. Occasionally c. Always d. Never
So just who are you?
If you answered mostly:
A’s: Risktaker – The late Alexander McQueen
McQueen’s developed a reputation for controversy, shock tactics and being unconventional. He was a visionary and the one of the youngest designers to obtain many accolades and partnerships. What do you have in common with McQueen? You trust your instincts. You grasp and address complex challenges. You are persuasive and able to manage tougher conversations. However, you should strive to be less hard on yourself.
B’s: Perfectionist – Carolina Herrera
Herrera is the epitome of perfection—winning the International Center Award of Excellence, Spain’s Gold Medal for Merit in the Fine Arts, Womenswear Designer of the Year, the Council of Fashion Designers of America’s Lifetime Achievement Award; the list goes on and on. What do you have in common with Carolina? You take a patient approach when interacting with others. You consider essential policies and procedures when making critical decisions. You are apt to be well tuned when listening to others, and you are driven to follow through with your commitments.
C’s: Timeless/Classic – Louis Vuitton Malletier aka Louis Vuitton aka LV
Founded in 1854, this French fashion house is obviously here to stay. Its iconic “LV” monogram is on products ranging from luxury luggage to shoes, clothing and accessories. Louis Vuitton hasn’t changed since the 19th century, and the luggage is still made by hand. What’s that got to do with you? You prefer the tried-and-true approach. You meticulously focus on every task but manage to cross off several items on your to-do list each day. You are moderately outgoing, and while you like to interact with others you like to stay focused on the task at hand. Try to look at new situations as a learning opportunity from which to grow.
D’s: Sexy – Christian Louboutin
French footwear designer Louboutin’s signature is his shiny, red bottom soled shoes. His love for shoes began when he saw a sign forbidding African women to wear sharp stilettos for fear of damaging wood floors. He wanted to defy that, so he began designing and brought stilettos back into fashion in the ’90s and 2000s. His goal is to make women look sexy and beautiful (with his 5+ inch heels). How are you and Louboutin alike? You’re all about making your clients look good, no matter the circumstances. You are open to others’ ideas and seek new and innovative solutions. You are also quite assertive and take the lead in your interactions, as you have a strong drive to influence your audience.
Whether it’s improving your persuasion techniques, being more assertive, or rocking a pair of Louboutins to a client meeting, we all can take something from each of these designers to be amazing (and stylish) PR pros.
What are you going to work on in the coming days and weeks to be a better communicator? Let us know in the comments.