I just read a very interesting blog by my good friend and mentor, Dan Miller of 48days.com. After reading his blog I thought I would share segments of it and my thoughts on them. This is not meant to be directed at just men since I am talking about “wearing a tie.” The same principle applies to both men and women. If you are woman and you are reading this, think of it in terms of wearing the “professional paint suit.”

Here is a quote from Dan’s blog:

‘Why are fewer and fewer guys wearing ties?  Ah — maybe it’s because they serve no useful function. I did a little research to see why anyone ever wore one. It seems to have come from early military uniforms where the tie identified the person as a member of a particular unit. Then it carried over to indicate the wearer’s membership in a club, school, professional association or even athletic team.”

I used to wear ties all the time. When I was first on staff at our church as an associate pastor in the 90s, it was very much the culture to always wear a suit coat and tie as part of work. When I was a representative for an insurance and investment company I always wore a suit coat and tie. It was and still is expected. Some people love to wear the suit and tie, which is just fine — for them. Others run from it like the plague — I think I find myself in this group most often.

By now, you are asking what is the purpose of talking about wearing a tie? It is not about wearing a tie or a pant suit. It is about why do we do we do things or try to be something to conform to other’s opinions or expectations.

Here is another quote from Dan’s blog:

“I must admit sometimes when we’re in a restaurant and I see someone in a suit and tie I wonder — where did that poor guy get stuck in his career path? You would be run out of town if you showed up for work at Google, Amazon, eBay, Yahoo, Dave Ramsey’s organization or Apple in a tie.”

If you are looking for a job, or a career change, you may want to look at the company culture to see if it is a fit for you and your personality. Search for a work environment where you can be comfortable, creative and productive. Search for a place where you can be you!

I must admit, I prefer to not wear a tie. I am more productive and creative when I don’t. However, in the course speaking engagements, I may wear a suit and tie because it is what everyone else will be wearing at the event. Is that giving in to what others expect? I don’t think so because I know this going in and I am not uncomfortable in a tie. If you come to one of my workshops, I never wear a tie!

What can you take away from this today? Don’t simply do, dress or try to be something because others expect it. Be who you are supposed to be — who you were made to be. Find the work, company, business and friends that allow you to be yourself, so you can be more productive and creative. In doing so, you will not only be more creative and productive, but also happier and more fulfilled. If the tie fits, wear it – if it doesn’t, don’t try to make it fit.