Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is defined as “the ability to understand the way people feel and react and to use this skill to make good judgments and to avoid or solve problems”. This skill is important in all aspects of life and relevant to all job positions, however, Image Consultants and Personal Shoppers perform a really personal service in that they help a person define what looks best on them, which as we know is subjective and dependent on not just theory but also the way the person perceives themselves, which can be very negatively or too positively.
Image Consultants and Personal Shoppers have to deliver opinions on the aesthetic aspects of a person, it is literally their job, but how they make those deliveries makes a world of difference.
Empathy, is an essential skill needed in this profession, that is the ability to put oneself in another person’s shoes, and not superficially, but truly connecting with the perspective in which the client sees their life. This is a natural step in a consultancy when the Image Consultant and Personal Shopper does the initial questionnaire to the client, it should allow the professional to understand the client not only physically but personally.
The secret ingredient to looking good is confidence, so it is absolutely essential that the professional understands how their client feels and help them tap into their confidence.
No emotional intelligence in this career path can doom the future success of the professional.
Learn the principles of coaching in our Image Consultant and Personal Shopper short course!