Did you know Madeleine Albright had a pin collection that she used to strategically, and nonverbally, indicate her views?
I didn't.
But I think it's a really cool idea!
With Madeleine Albright’s funeral being held in Washington yesterday, I wanted to take a moment to honor her as Secretary of State and as a person.
Just like Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg used her collars to encode meaning, Madeleine Albright used her pins to convey foreign policy messages.
As one article eloquently states, it’s “a sartorial strategy practiced by powerful women throughout history”
If you’re like me and are late to the party, let me fill you in.
Madeleine actually wrote a book about her choice of pins and aptly titled it,
“Read My Pins: Stories from a Diplomat’s Jewel Box”
Ornaments.
That's the term we use to describe the things we wear.
Things like:
- Clothing
- Jewelry
- Headwear
- Accessories
- Shoes
And they speak volumes about who we are without saying a word.
It’s why the global fashion industry is valued at 3 trillion dollars (yes, I Googled it)
Gasp!
What do we do with this information?
We consider how we are showing up and the cues we are sending.
We ask ourselves, “How do I want to be perceived by others?”
We consider how we want to look:
- Professional
- Relatable
- Confident
- Like a team player
- Creative
- Charismatic
- Imposing
- Athletic
Ask yourself if your ornaments are in alignment with your words.
NOTE, if you want to be taken seriously at a meeting, showing up in a Superhero costume might not be the best choice.
Start considering ways you can leverage your nonverbal cues to:
- Showcase your personality
- Indicate a mood
- Highlight an opinion
- Demonstrate alliance
- Demonstrate discord
Just like Madeleine and RBG, ask yourself how you can put ornaments to work.
Are nonverbals are talking, it’s important that you know what they are saying!
Your co-pilot (who is inspired to edit her closet),
P.S.
Talk to me!
What’s your favorite ornament to wear?
I have a pair of “Boss Boots” (the actual title of the shoes) that make me feel confident and tough.
Your turn to share!