Never Comment About People's Appearances

Early in my career, I learned a valuable lesson: avoid commenting on people’s appearances—whether it’s a compliment or a suggestion for change.. Physical appearance is a deeply personal and often  sensitive topic, and even the most well-intentioned remarks might cause discomfort or be misinterpreted down the road.

Some may argue that avoiding comments about appearance is overly cautious or “too politically correct.” I see it differently. I prefer to think of it as a practical approach. The risks of unsolicited comments—no matter how harmless they may seem—far outweigh any potential benefit. Discussions about appearance often intersect with sensitive issues like gender, race, or religion, making them more complex than they appear on the surface. This is why I choose to avoid them entirely. 

Instead, shift your focus to what truly matters: people’s achievements, ideas, and contributions. Recognizing someone’s hard work or sharing thoughtful feedback about their performance has far greater impact than anything you could say about how they look. It builds trust, fosters respect, and keeps professional relationships on solid ground.

My advice? Make it a habit to leave appearance out of the conversation. Focus on recognizing people’s achievements, ideas, and contributions—areas where feedback truly matters and can spark positive growth.