What we can all learn from Mr Clegg

Last week’s televised political debate has caused quite a stir. But was Nick Clegg’s victory and the subsequent surge in support for the Liberal Democrats down to a carefully crafted personal brand as much as political substance? Maybe we should all follow his lead, making note of a few tricks from the Liberal leader to accelerate our own professional reputation and career success in a similar way.

Clegg’s demeanour, style and how he addressed questions from the audience and his opponents portrayed him as genuine and open – adorning him with the cherished personal qualities of charisma, trustworthiness and honesty. Whilst Gordon Brown and David Cameron’s performances highlighted less favourable characteristics and attributes. For example, Cameron reinforced his image of being posh and slick. Clegg and Cameron's privileged backgrounds share many similarities - wealthy families, a private school education followed by Oxbridge. Yet Clegg doesn’t carry the damaging posh tag that Cameron constantly has to fight.

Since the Leaders' Debate, the content of Clegg’s answers has been diligently dissected by the media and his political rivals. His responses around immigration have been portrayed as hollow and his opposition to the corrupt Westminster style of parliament accused of being hypocritical. Yet, support for Clegg and his party still rises. Speculation around the rising influence of the Liberal Democrats in Britain's political future, the probability of waking up to a hung parliament on 7th May and excitement at the prospect of having a Chancellor Cable dominate the polls and political commentary. Clegg's brand is proving resilient and victorious in the face of spin and criticism. He has reinvented himself as a rebel, someone new and refreshing, an outsider. He has crafted an personal image that in these dissatisfied times appeals to the masses. And this is proving more influential than the accuracy of his claims.

Branding is no longer the exclusive domain of consumer goods and politicians; our personal brand is something we all need to be alert to and aware of. Should we all be managing our own personal brands more carefully? From how we engage with colleagues to how we dress, in a competitive and uncertain job market is better personal brand management the secret to interview success, promotion and survival?

Image source: www.guardian.co.uk

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