Looks like appearances are the key to boardroom success

Researchers claim to have identified the future face of a good business leader, writes GERALD FLYNN

FORGET POWER dressing, A-line skirts, pinstripe suits or even the padded shoulders fad of the 1980s. It looks as if most of us will need radical plastic surgery and perhaps even skeletal bone enhancement if we’re going to get in to the boss’s office.

Researchers at the University of Kent say appearance is just as important as attitude and claim to have identified the future face of a good business leader. But they’re not talking about sharp white shirts or rimless glasses: they’re referring to physical appearance.

The researchers claim that, for male managers, a pronounced brow and forehead are trusted, while, for women, thin eyebrows, wider eyes and fuller lips make up the face of a future inspirational leader.

Sadly, the research seems confined to the face. No mention is made of broad shoulders, great legs or bulging beer-bellies.

The University of Kent group used forensic technology to create images of a “successful” businessman and woman (above).

Given that MBAs, multinational experience and boardroom positions do not guarantee a good, efficient and productive boss, perhaps looks might be a last throw of the dice.

As part of the research, they interviewed 200 managers and other employees, and invited them to assess the qualities and attributes of future high-fliers.

Even the boffins admit it is not all about facial appearance, though the typical high-fliers they identify are white Europeans in their 30s and without any apparent blemishes or even freckles.

Character traits seen as crucial to business success included a “firm but fair” attitude and encouraging creativity and flexibility, the study found.

Prof Chris Solomon of the University of Kent says the findings show how workers and managers think a good business leader should look and behave. “They want a candidate with the confidence of experience – somebody who will rise to the challenge and make brave decisions in the current economic climate,” he says.

Good looks do not appear to be demanded in many Irish boardrooms, as a flick through a bundle of annual company reports will confirm.

It is unlikely that anyone finding themselves at an Irish Management Institute gathering or an Ibec conference would think they were at a casting session for a Hollywood blockbuster or a recruitment session for a modelling agency.

Thankfully, in Ireland we still appear to put more faith in who you know and even what you know over what you look like.

Looks do seem to count in certain areas, however, especially front-of-house jobs such as receptionists, bar staff, airline cabin crews and sometimes public relations.

The research, which was commissioned by the Vauxhall car company to promote it Insignia model, is not being taken too seriously.

However, while it appears to be some mid-summer “fun” data based on just 200 opinions or preferences, it does has implications for gender, racial and age stereotypes.

Gerald Flynn is an employment specialist with Align Management Solutions