Be A Gladiator In A Suit: 9 Professional Lessons From ‘Scandal”s Olivia Pope

Dress to impress

Certainly you’ve heard the saying, “Dress for the job you want, not the job you have.” When you head to the office, know that your outfit makes a statement. Make it a positive and professional one. And, ICYMI, here are a few tips for updating your spring wardrobe.

Speak definitively and with authority

No one wants a wishy-washy exec in charge. It’s great to ask questions, to be inquisitive. It’s another thing to hem and haw to the point that you’re not making a decision. As a leader — or a leader in the making — you need to instill confidence in your abilities to make good sound decisions and act on them. And you need to project that to others. There’s no question what Olivia is trying to say right here, and she cares nothing for Edison’s threats.

Be good to your team

First you have to build a good team. Once you’ve got that, be good to them so they’ll stick around. There’s no doubt that Olivia will go to bat for her gladiators. And in return, they go to bat for her.

This doesn’t mean you need to be a pushover. Or agree to things that are to the detriment of your career or the business. But build a rapport and a respect between yourself and others so that when you do have to get tough, they understand.

Don’t go crazy with office decorations

Whether you’re a small business owner, have an office at a company, or simply work in a cube, your workspace should be functional and organized without too many distractions. Note: If you’re a fashion designer, interior decorator, or work in some other creative area, part of putting your best foot forward and having a snazzy office. But, for instance, in the case of Olivia Pope & Associates, it’s all business. And their office looks the part. With the exception of a personal item or two, keep it simple and clean.

Build a good network of contacts

Olivia is a “fixer,” so it stands to reason that she has a Rolodex that anyone in Washington would envy. But you don’t have to be in the publicity game to build a good network of contacts. When she’s in a pinch, Olivia picks up the phone and immediately knows who to call. And business literally walks into her office to hire her on an episode by episode basis. Even the uber-shady Hollis Doyle made a beeline for Olivia when his daughter was “kidnapped.”

Be prepared to face the media (that includes social media)

A big part of Olivia’s job is about optics; how things look in the media. If you’re in position where you have to speak directly to themedia, make sure you’re clear about what you want to say and how you want to say it.

That also goes for social media. More and more people are representing their companies and themselves on Twitter, Facebook, and other social networks. Be thoughtful about what you’re putting out into the world and who can see it. A bad photo can end up in front of your actual or prospective boss and have serious repercussions.

Work with the cards you’re dealt

We would all love for our jobs to go smoothly and seamlessly every single day. Alas, that’s not real life. Heck, that’s not even the life Olivia Pope is living.

But Liv is always ready to handle those bumps in the road. In fact, handling those bumps with finesse gets her noticed by everyone including the guard at the front door. Be ready to react to what comes your way rather than wallowing in what you wish would happen. Your ability to fix a sticky situation will get you noticed and get you lots of respect.

Keep a bottle of wine handy

There’s nothing wrong with a drink after a long day. Studies show a little red wine is actually good for you. So cheers! Drink up!

If wine isn’t your thing, be ready to reward yourself with whatever works: a piece of chocolate, a night off on the couch, a walk in the park. The point is, even Olivia Pope takes some time to unwind.

Know that dating in your industry can get messy

Having a good working relationship with co-workers and colleagues can lead to more… intimate relationships. If you can handle that (and that’s the first thing you have to determine), then I’m all for going after love. I’m a hopeless romantic.

But know, if things don’t work out, it can get messy. You have to be prepared to be professional whether the relationship thrives or fizzles out. There might be some awkwardness. Maybe some discomfort. Word could even get out that something is going on. Be ready to handle that with dignity, tact, and even some transparency. Keep the details private however.