Pearls of Power

Book excerpt: Pearls of Power reviews the social science that explains our implicit, instinctual appraisal of people, and how these subliminal automatic appraisals influences choices in elections and in the workplace in the selection of leaders. This book focuses on a limited but critical aspect of leadership – how to get the role. It is not a book on leadership skills, but rather on how to look that part, as this is essential for gaining access to leadership roles. Citing hundreds of hundreds scientific studies, Dr. Lewis explains how subtle characteristics in the candidate’s appearance affect voter behavior sufficiently to move election results by several percentage points; enough to swing most competitive elections. These same characteristics influence how we are perceived in the workplace and greatly impact hiring and promotion into leadership roles. Pearls of Power then outlines the steps a candidate can take to improve the way they are perceived by others, and how to make subtle changes in their appearance that increase the perception of competence, capacity and strength. Since most voters never meet the candidate, photos have a crucial influence on elections. Pearls of Power describes how to different camera lenses, lighting, and camera angle can change how we are perceived, and how different persons can highlight or minimize aspects of their appearance to best present themselves. Although any political or job candidate may benefit from the advice provided in Pearls of Power, it is written with women in mind. There are chapters on how to use of cosmetics, jewelry, accessories, and on hair and clothing styles that best present the candidate. The book provides guidance on how the candidate can best present themselves when interviewed on radio or television, and gives advice on what not to wear on live camera. Pearls of Power councils the reader on how they can develop a persona with executive presence so that others perceive them as leaders, in order to give the reader a greater voice and more powerful role, both in society and in their careers.