Leadership and Executive Development for women of all races, cultures and backgrounds
Issue link: https://diversitywoman.epubxp.com/i/510478
Upfront > 10 D I V E R S I T Y W O M A N S u m m e r 2 0 1 5 d i v e r s i t y w o m a n . c o m THINKSTOCKPHOTOS Dear DW, I'm hiring a midlevel manager, and my top candidate is a woman with tattoos on one arm. I'm worried how this may come across to custom- ers and higher-level executives. Am I justifed in not hiring her, even if she is otherwise perfect for the job? Signed, Unsure in Tattoo Land Dear Tattoo Land, While the degree to which body art is acceptable at work depends on the ofce environment, today's companies are becoming more accept- ing of visible tattoos. Steve Langerud, a workplace culture consul- tant and executive coach in Iowa, says tattoos were a big concern in ofces more than 10 years ago, but with so many young workers who already have ink and are starting their careers (a Pew Research Center report found that 40 percent of adults who are between 18 and 29 have tattoos), policies have since relaxed. "I do, though, see concern for tattoos in the workplace that are on a person's face, or any tattoo that includes vulgar language or drug refer- ences," Langerud notes. Diane Gottsman, a national etiquette expert and founder of the Protocol School of Texas, says employers shouldn't rule out a prospec- tive employee based on his or her tattoo, "as they would be limiting their options of immensely talented and creative applicants." Bottom line: A candidate's skill set and ability to meld with your company culture is more important than any piece of body art. As Langerud suggests, if it really bothers you, just ask her to cover it up while at work. DW Hot List Summer Reads Body Art in the Office L ooking for a hard-to-put-down book for the summer? Check out these new releases. I Know How She Does It: How Successful Women Make the Most of Their Time • Laura Vanderkam Tis data-rich book, which includes case stud- ies and interviews, examines the daily lives of working mothers who earn at least six fgures. The Light of the World: A Memoir • Elizabeth Alexander Te author tells a deeply personal story about how she dealt with the sudden death of her husband and had the courage to move forward with strength and gratitude. God Help the Child • Toni Morrison An emotionally haunting novel, Morrison's frst book in a present-day setting details the trials between adults and children while exploring the implications of racism in our society. Rebel Queen • Michelle Moran Set in 1850s India, this novel takes readers through Queen Lakshmi's quest to fght the British Empire for the freedom of her country. City by City: Dispatches from the American Metropolis • edited by Keith Gessen and Stephen Squibb Tirty-seven engrossing essays explore the state of the American city—present and future—looking at gentrifcation, growth, employment, crime, and other factors. The Office