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I love high heels. The exhilaration of rising from 5’3 to 5’7 in a quick step. The appearance of a much slimmer & perkier lower body. The click on concrete and office lobbies that commands attention. The toe cleavage. Yes…the toe cleavage.
I love high heels.
When I was a Human Resources Assistant, my manager always wore heels and a well-rotated collection of suits. She was also extremely professional, action-orientated and a confident public speaker, i.e. everything I wasn’t at the time. So I quickly followed her lead and purchased three pair of heels; black, brown & nude. I didn’t instantly soak up the demeanor and skills of my manager through those pointy tipped shoes, but I noticed a difference in my performance. I implemented improvements to our staffing process, followed up with other managers and resolved employee concerns. The staff anticipated my entrance into a room by the sound of my feet and then actually listened while I spoke at the meeting. Was this new-found self-confidence due to my footwear or my experience?
After attempting to train for a marathon and developing shin splints, my heel wearing days were over. So I invested in a new line of shoe wear by purchasing one pair of black, brown & purple flats. At first, I felt deflated. I was back in the land of short people, asking for assistance to reach handbooks on high shelves and making eye-to-chin contact. I worried “Would the staff still respect some girl sporting ballet flats?” My superficial side was quite surprised when no one commented on my “real” height and my flatness made me even more efficient. Instead of concentrating on the physical act of walking, I could run through my mental to-do list or think of an idea for our employee picnic. I could easily keep pace with male coworkers and the more experienced Stiletto-rocking women while finalizing plans for new hire orientation. Yes, I could accomplish the same things at 5’3 that I could at 5’7.
I realize now that just because I want to BE like her, does not mean I need to LOOK like her. My heels did not give me the boost of confidence I needed for a professional environment, it was the example of my manager who wore them. Perhaps those lovely shoes encouraged my inner potential, but my manager gave me the skills to succeed in future environments. Accomplishments, work ethic and attitude speak louder than any pair of shoes.
So, heels or no heels? Ladies, what does wearing or not wearing heels mean to you? Gentlemen, what perceptions do you have of a woman with or without heels?
Photo credit iStockphoto
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6 Comments
[…] cheeks because I just wanted to go home to let my puppy outside, because snow was creeping into my brown ballet flats, and because I had no idea what to do. After I let go of what I wished was or was not happening, I […]
I’ve always lived on the notion “look good, feel good”. Just like a fitted suit or a nice shirt and tie, heels finishing off an outfit and give you a little more confidence. As a result you’re more likely to perform better and make it through those tough days at work. In addition, you’ll often find other people can pick up on this and reflect an equally upbeat and positive attitude towards you.
my comment was in reponse to Laura 😉
“I mean, let’s face it, if you look fabulous, speak with quiet authority, have a great personality, perfect hair and mince around like cat women on stilt heels all day while solving thorny business problems your success doesn’t impress me much. No, it’s the awkward girls with frizzy hair and sensible flats that rise to the top who get my admiration. After all, they’re the ones putting their careers on the line to build a better world for my toes.”
Great topic! I totally disagree though :). As women, we should respect those wearing heels or flats. Some women are intimadated by women who actually get fully dressed in the morning. But it isn’t for everyone. You shouldn’t pre judge another woman based on her shoes. I rather work with people who care about being at their best everyday; representing not only the company but themselves as well.
I think heels look fabulous and usually give me a confidence boost – except when I trip – but it isn’t real. I mean, let’s face it, if you look fabulous, speak with quiet authority, have a great personality, perfect hair and mince around like cat women on stilt heels all day while solving thorny business problems your success doesn’t impress me much. No, it’s the awkward girls with frizzy hair and sensible flats that rise to the top who get my admiration. After all, they’re the ones putting their careers on the line to build a better world for my toes.
I agree! You want to look polished, but heels are not necessary to achieve this.