NOT kilted at work -- your thoughts, please?

[Phogfan86]

When it comes to kilts, I can always bet that there are a couple of people who have already been through what I'm experiencing. With that in mind,...

In August 2009, the nonprofit I work for held an art auction fund raiser. The fund raiser is business casual or "resort wear." I asked my supervisor (female, if that means anything) about wearing a kilt, along with a polo, Argyll, hose and dress shoes, to the event. I explained that I thought the art event would be the perfect venue -- art, creativity, expression, etc. She said no, because it would prove to be a distraction. Since I'm one of three people who plans and executes the event (300 people in attendance), I wouldn't have time to stop and explain the whys and whats to everyone. I thought that was a lame explanation, but I kept my mouth shut.

Around the end of the year, I submitted a proposal to wear my kilt to work twice a year: Tartan Day (April 6) and St. Andrew's Day (November 30). My supervisor and her supervisor both reviewed it and said okay, but it was made very clear that as soon as it became “a distraction” and kept me or anyone else from getting work done, I wouldn't be allowed to anymore.

I wore it on Tartan Day and even printed something for my door, explaining Tartan Day, the Declaration and also what a kilt and all the accessories were called and what they are for. I got nothing but compliments and positive comments.

I also got to wear it on a UN-recognized day that celebrates dialogue between different cultures and appreciation of diversity. Again, nothing but positive comments. I also went out of my way to act like it was just another day.

In the meantime, I've worn kilts pretty much religiously every weekend. My supervisor's seen me out several times on weekends – WalMart, Target, grocery store, mall, the whole thing.

Which brings us to last Thursday. On Friday, we were going to have an art exhibit at a local gallery in preparation for the art auction event in two weeks. It's mostly mingling and schmoozing. So, Thursday night, I e-mailed her, telling her I'd like to wear a kilt for comfort's sake. It is August in Kansas, after all.

My response was, “Jim [has a positive response ever started out with one's name like that?], we're really going to be hopping at the exhibit tomorrow. You should wear a polo shirt and slacks.”

At this point, I don't want to approach her and ask her point blank if she's being frank with me. My ample gut tells me that she would perceive it as confrontational, even though I wouldn't mean for it to be.

But is anyone else as skeptical as I am about taking her explanations at face value?

[Seumas52]

To quote "Wee Geordie" to the Olympic committee: "No kilt, no performance!"

[Sir William]

Sometimes I suspect that when others hear we wear a kilt, they are thinking "Braveheart" and it generates caution or skepticism on their part.

Sounds like your supervisor is afraid that non-standard attire (other than a polo shirt and pants) would present the wrong impression to the clients (or whoever is attending). While to us who wear kilts this attitude seems unreasonable, from the perspective of the one responsible for a successful program it probably isn't.

From what you wrote I would say she was being honest in that she believed a kilt would be out of place. You might try and discuss it with her AFTER the event, or perhaps initiate the conversation on one of the days that you do wear a kilt - as in "doesn't this look nice, can't I wear it more often..."

When I wore my kilt to work on Friday my supervisor was aware of it - but said I could only do so on the condition that I had a suit ready to put on in case I had to attend a meeting (though many of my co-workers thought that my kilt - with a kilt jacket and tie - would have met the requirements just as well).

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

I'm not a proselytizing kilt-wearer, so I'd have to agree with your supervisor. The kilt might, or might not, be a distraction. I think she's trying to avoid a potential problem, so I wouldn't read anything into it. As an aside, I'm sure she's glad you asked-- and will probably be a bit more comfortable with the idea somewhere down stream.

[dfmacliam]

If it makes you feel any better, I can never wear a kilt to work.

[docr606]

I can't really relate. as a police officer I had to wear a uniform (although I did
wear my band kilt for a few hours after we played at a police function ).But I would kind of go with the supervisor on this one. As an aside today we went to a twins festival with the grandbabies and I did not say to the wife "Should I wear a kilt, but which kilt should I wear ". When you are elderly and retired you can do whatever you want ( almost ).

[Panache]

I'm not a proselytizing kilt-wearer, so I'd have to agree with your supervisor. The kilt might, or might not, be a distraction. I think she's trying to avoid a potential problem, so I wouldn't read anything into it. As an aside, I'm sure she's glad you asked-- and will probably be a bit more comfortable with the idea somewhere down stream.

Along these same lines and looking at it from her perspective I think you need to ask yourself:


By wearing a kilt are you representing the non profit you work for, or are you representing yourself?


Even if the reaction you receive is a positive one you may find that you are relating with people about your garments instead of relating with them about the non profit organization you part of.

Let me give you an example


A long time back (the 80's) Apple used the very popular actor Alan Alda from MASH in a series of ads for its latest computer to show how easy it was to set them up. On the good side Mr. Alda was both charming and appealing so viewers remembered his ads. On the bad side they didn't remember the brand of computer he was advertsing. So the ad campaign was a failure because it was all about him and not the product.

So it may very well be that your supervisor has nothing against the kilt but sees it as a distraction from your organization.

Just a thought

Cheers

Jamie :ootd:

[Jack Daw]

I understand your point of view. I am not permitted to wear the kilt at work. After much haggling, I was given approval to wear the kilt during a certain Blue Jean Week to help raise money for the United Way. However, although we've had two Blue Jean Weeks so far, I was not given the personal go-ahead to wear the kilt. I've decided to drop the request.

[Dall_Piobaire]

Along these same lines and looking at it from her perspective I think you need to ask yourself:


By wearing a kilt are you representing the non profit you work for, or are you representing yourself?


Even if the reaction you receive is a positive one you may find that you are relating with people about your garments instead of relating with them about the non profit organization you part of.

Let me give you an example


A long time back (the 80's) Apple used the very popular actor Alan Alda from MASH in a series of ads for its latest computer to show how easy it was to set them up. On the good side Mr. Alda was both charming and appealing so viewers remembered his ads. On the bad side they didn't remember the brand of computer he was advertsing. So the ad campaign was a failure because it was all about him and not the product.

So it may very well be that your supervisor has nothing against the kilt but sees it as a distraction from your organization.

Just a thought

Cheers

Jamie :ootd:

Jamie, as usual, hit the kilt pin on the head. Wearing the kilt at work is about you, not about the company. I worry that you have to second guess her intention in, basically nicely, trying to tell you absolutely not! Ton o bricks there I think guy!

Would you wear your cargo shorts, Hawaiin shirt and flip flops to the event, or to work, why not they are comfortable?

Now, I don't wear my kilt all day, day in and day out, and I never will. To me, when I wear it, it is a special occassion or a gig, or some ceremony, or it is requested. I don't want my kilt and it's wearing to become just an everyday thing. I want to keep the uniqueness and the special meaning it has just that... special!

Now, I am not knocking anyone who wears thier kilt everyday, and everyone has different, and valid reasons for wearing it. I bet it doesn't have the same energy it did when you wore it on occassion though!

Wear a clan badge lapel pin if you want to "unobtrusively" proclaim your heritage!

JMHO, no offense meant to anyone!

[English Bloke]

If you're on company time you should wear what ever they tell you to wear. On your own time, wear whatever you want.