#Japan #Tokyo #Partners #Impression Management #Business Skills

Revolutionizing Professional Image at Partners

In a bold initiative to redefine what it means to present oneself in the business world, Partners, a leading asset management company based in Tokyo, recently conducted comprehensive impression management training for its entire workforce. This training coincided with May 9, known as 'Makeup Day,' highlighting the importance of appearance in building client trust.

Background to the Initiative

As industries like real estate and finance increasingly integrate technology such as AI and chatbots into their operations, the way professionals present themselves is becoming ever more crucial. In particular, sectors dealing with significant decision-making processes, such as asset management, require representatives to establish trust swiftly. Given that clients often entrust their futures to these professionals, the perception of cleanliness, honesty, and approachability plays a vital role in decision-making. Thus, Partners recognized that fostering a sense of reliability and comfort in potential clients through one's appearance is essential for enhancing corporate value.

To ensure every employee could embody a trustworthy image, the company designed their impression management training to be accessible and reproducible by anyone, thus making it a core element of their professional development strategy.

Recognizing Anyone Can Learn Impression Management Skills

Research indicates that a significant portion of first impressions is formed based on visual cues. Key areas, such as facial features and skin health, significantly influence non-verbal impressions like cleanliness, sincerity, and approachability. This professional development program specifically targeted easily modifiable aspects of appearance, seeking to equip employees with the knowledge to understand and implement changes that positively affect how they are perceived.

Importantly, the training was not limited to specific roles; it included all employees, promoting a unified approach to personal presentation. Experts from Issei Co., a professional makeup training organization, conducted hands-on workshops, guiding participants on suitable makeup techniques for business contexts. Feedback was provided throughout to enhance learning outcomes.

Employee Feedback Reflects Positive Impact

Post-training surveys revealed a striking consensus among participants; all sales personnel agreed that grooming and appearance significantly impacted sales performance and trustworthiness. Approximately 99% reported an increased awareness of the importance of impression management, with around 90% recognizing that these skills could be learned and were not purely a matter of personal taste. This initiative has shifted the mindset towards makeup as an essential, reproducible business skill.

Voices of Participants:

• - "I previously hesitated about using makeup, but now I can easily incorporate it into my routine and see noticeable differences in my appearance."
• - "I've realized that even minor adjustments can lead to significant changes in how others perceive me, and the professional guidance provided lent credibility to my learning."
• - "Working both face-to-face and online necessitates understanding first impressions, and this training has been a perfect opportunity to reassess that aspect."

Through this training, Partners aims to transform impression management from a subjective experience into an actionable skill for everyone, fostering not only positive changes in appearance but also in employee behavior and thought processes. In an era defined by technological advancement, the company emphasizes the importance of human connections and the integral role that appearance plays within them.

Company Overview

Founded to 'design the future of asset management,' Partners offers a wide range of services related to investment real estate, insurance, and small investments. Embracing the philosophy of 'LOVE & TECHNOLOGY', the company strives to simplify complex asset management processes through technology, remaining a lifelong partner to its clients. Currently, Partners employs around 180 staff and continues to gain recognition for its workplace culture and growth in the industry.

Headquarters: Shinagawa Grand Central Tower, 17F 2-16-4 Konan, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Established: September 2011

Awards and Recognition

• - Listed as one of the Best Workplaces by Great Place To Work Institute Japan for three consecutive years (2023-2025).
• - Featured in the FT 1000: High-Growth Companies Asia-Pacific by Financial Times and Statista in 2021.

Through initiatives like the impression management training, Partners is committed to fostering an environment where employees can thrive professionally while ensuring clients feel secure and valued.