KnowHR Blog - Latest Comments in Looks: Why They Matter More Than You Imagined

Re: Looks: Why They Matter More Than You Imagined

Frank Roche — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 07:58:19 -0000

Hi Dr. Patzer,

Thanks for stopping by. I really enjoyed your book, and besides how well researched it was, it was also accessible and brought up some very important points. What you say here, "...we are not defenseless," is great advice. It's so true. And from an HR perspective, people can do more to raise their PA.

Continued good luck with Looks. I really enjoyed it.

Re: Looks: Why They Matter More Than You Imagined

Dr. Gordon Patzer — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 13:31:56 -0000

Frank,

Thank you for writing such a great review/comment about my book.

In regard to your question, what we can do about looks and height? My response is that we are not defenseless. Because many factors, both physical and non-physical, determine a person’s PA most people have actions and alternatives available to them. Furthermore, people should “not do nothing,” just because they can’t do everything.

Actions and alternatives to increase PA range from routine to non-routine. Basic hygiene, industry-appropriate clothes, proper nutrition, and optimal sleep represent one end of the continuum alternatives to raise PA. The other end of the continuum includes liposuction procedures, pharmaceutical facial filler injections, face-lifts, hair transplants, gastric bypass operations, and other cosmetic surgeries. Of course, technology, ethics, religion, societal norms, social pressures, and financial resources, as well as an individual’s own judgment and motivation, define pursuits and alterations acceptable for any one person.

Gordon Patzer
author of "Looks" book
http://www.GordonPatzer.com

Re: Looks: Why They Matter More Than You Imagined

Frank Roche — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 15:18:50 -0000

JT, I am literally LOL. The lede of this story was going to be the old Rodney Dangerfield line: "When I was born I was so ugly the doctor slapped my mother." Ba-boom.

Re: Looks: Why They Matter More Than You Imagined

JT — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 13:19:39 -0000

After I read this I went and took a long hard look in the mirror. I felt really bad.

I kept thinking how hideous that poor bastard must be that came in second when I got hired. He's probably working in a side show even as we speak.

Re: Looks: Why They Matter More Than You Imagined

melina — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 11:27:18 -0000

I once worked with a manager who hired female employees based on looks. AND he had the audacity to talk about it openly. The lawsuit potential made me shudder.

It would be an ideal world if all hiring/HR managers were able to see beauty, but look beyond it to "fit". I think a major player in avoiding hiring just for looks has 2 parts.
1. Have a hiring process that digs in deeper than "tell me about your last job" and "why do you want to work here?".
2. Include multiple people in the hiring process. This ensures different viewpoints and interpretations. I have found group interviews to be highly effective.

Re: Looks: Why They Matter More Than You Imagined

Frank Roche — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 20:04:02 -0000

Rick, it's so funny. It's not that the less than supermodels can't get by...I'm proof of that. But it's one of those deals that the beautiful people get more breaks. I do agree with you that there a lot more to personal attractiveness...and confidence is a big one. Health, too.

You're right, life's not fair. When I come back, though, I'd rather be the Dali Lama than Brad Pitt...unless it's the Brad Pitt from Legend of the Fall.

Re: Looks: Why They Matter More Than You Imagined

rick — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 12:13:54 -0000

It is important to look beyond this "Looks" thing.

First of all it does not mean that those of us not born with exceptionally good looks cannot be successful.

Second of all dress, confidence, an outgoing personality and saying intelligent things can and will change a person's perceptions of how we look. I am basing this on experience rather than scientific research.

I do believe that the untalented but beautiful may have an easier time in life than the untalented and not so good looking. Oh well. life is not fair. Next subject.