Too Much Too Soon?

[GatorUK]

The committee should not be meeting to hear reasons from you why you want to wear a kilt. I should be meeting to determine if there are any objections to your wearing the kilt and whether those objections have any merit. A kilt is considered a formal, semi-formal, dress and casual item of men's clothing. Just because a supervisor doesn't like it is not a valid reason. Is he/she going to ban the wearing of colors that he/she dislikes?
But don't be surprised if you are turned down. If there is a committee you can bet they have already met and have had discussions on the subject and will have made up their minds before you walk into the room. Having you meet with the committee is a CYA move in case the discrimination issue arises.

[Streetcar]

There is often a vast rift between how thing "should be" and how they really are.

Sadly, few notice how wide this chasm can be.

It boils down to your choice. How important is it (to you) to wear your kilt to work? Is making this particular statement really worth your job?

Granted, they might not be able to fire you for violating terms of a non-existent dress code, but do much do you wish to raise the ire of your employers?

My wife works for a major financial instituion. In her branch, actually "firing" someone is unheard of. Instead, they find ways to make an unwanted employee "decide to leave."

I am constantly impressed by the intelligence, professionalism and wisdom of the participants on this board. And while we share an affinity for a particular garment, I submit that none of us are defined solely by our clothing.

[cessna152towser]

Like the others I'd make a presentation to the Committee but if they say no to the kilt I'd leave it there for the time being. I don't see why there should be any dress code a problem with any kind of kilt for a dressing down Friday but I'd say that on other days a kilt should preferably be a dark self colour of dark tartan to look professional. I chose to wear a black kilt today for Court duty, as I feel that being greeted by a kilted official reassures the public who are often attending Court for the first time and may find it intimidating, but I will probably choose to wear trousers for returning to the court's offices tomorrow to do the paperwork when I will not be meeting the public.

[sorcererdale]

I was wondering if you have talked to any of the other employees who saw you in your kilt, or maybe some customers too, if you deal with them? What are their thoughts?

Remember too, you don't want to say why wearing a kilt is good for you, but what it can do for the company or their customers. I keep thinking of all the times a person remembers the guy in the kilt or the companies that have kilted employees that always get the repeat business.

Good luck on this, and let us know what you decide to do, and what the results are.

DALE.

[bubba]

Here's how I'd handle it. I'd be starting to send out my resume. I admit, I'm just more aggressive on such things. In my old profession I could afford to be. I could quit a company and start with a new one the next day, others aren't that fortunate. You just have to make the call if you can afford to stand firm or not and if the result might be worth the fight.

[Colin]

The only two things you can really do, are be prepared with information, and respect their final decision.

Ugly Bear summed it up the best.

[Reggie]

I want to thank all of you very much for your words of support and advice. I have read all of the responses several times over, and many previous posts on this subject as well.
As of now, I have my wifes support to attend the meeting, and I will. And I will obide by the outcome. My instincts tell me to put this dog back to sleep, but the braveheart in me wants to face this challenge. I must at least try. I have been in much turmoil because I love my job and everything about it. It's the best job I've ever had, but I also know that if we continually shy away from these type of things, we won't get very far very fast.
I will not present myself in an adversarial or confrontational way, but will discuss the issue in a logical, reasonable, and objective manner. I will have a couple of pictures with me to show that a kilted man can look professional. The last thing I want to do is embarrass my kilted brethren, or represent them in a poor light. My wife said to remember that I'm at the negotiating table, not the battlefield, and I must approach it with the innocence of a lamb, and the cunning of ten foxes. That I will do. I will be preparred, use what few wits I have, and do my level best for all of us.
I am much obliged to all of you for your help. I will certainly let you know how things went.
Highest regards to all,
Reggie