The Dragon’s Tail

The Boss, 2009

The legendary dragon is an awesome creature in the annals of folklore worldwide. The head is a study in ferociousness and an integral part of any artist’s imagination. The whole body is an armor. However, it is the tail that is the largest part of its anatomy and it’s size defines the soul of the creature. Can one imagine a dragon without its tail? The thicker and scalier the tail, the more powerful its bearing. The dragon’s tail is one of the most important weapons in its armory.

The modern executive is also a larger than life figure in today’s business world. The business suit (whether formal or smart casuals), along with the briefcase, (whether traditionally chic or stylishly casual), are integral parts of the executive’s personal armory. However, it is the tie that can be compared to the dragon’s tail as far as a power statement is concerned. Can one imagine a true blue executive without a tie? The more in-fashion and power-striped the tie, the more charismatic the executive’s bearing. The executive’s tie is undoubtedly the most important component of his armament.

What is it about the tie that so enamours? After all, it has no definite function such as a belt or a hat. In fact in hotter climes one can say that a tie is an impediment. Still, no executive worth his salt would want to leave for work without his tie. No matter how dignified his dark blue suit, no matter how patent the leather of his shoe and no matter how upbeat his demeanor, an executive is naked without his tie. Perhaps those who are still in the throes of the ‘smartly casual’ wave might deem the above an exaggeration but even such nay-sayers would feel more complete with a tie even if it is one they think looks suitably casual.

The question is of course, can a tie ever be casual? One might wear loafers and one might wear corduroys and the tie might be hand-woven silk, but the very fact that a tie is worn, gives the executive a businesslike mien. And everyone knows that ‘businesslike’ is as far removed from ‘casual’ as a dragon is to a dragonfly.

One must also keep in mind that it is not what the executive thinks of his appearance that is important, it is what the customer perceives of the executive’s disposition that is of real significance. Need it be said that the tie, whether ‘businesslike businesslike’ or ‘casually businesslike’ puts to rest any doubts in the customer’s mind that the executive means business? Obviously, the tie of the executive endows him with power.

Just as the dragon’s tail must be thick, scaly, and tapered, no matter what kind of dragon, to carry any weight, the executive’s tie too must be of definite shape and dimensions to conform to set standards no matter what color, pattern or size. In the annals of executive dressing folklore, the tie has always featured as a set piece to identify the wearer as one of the elite of the business brigade.

Although the tie has undergone the ringamarole of sizes ranging from extra thin to thin to wide to wider according to fashion gurus’ whimsies, and the pattern has, and still is, doing the rounds from floral to striped to exclusive design schemes, again according to fashion statement of the times, the familiarity of the shape and the dimensions has remained more or less intact. Just like the dragon’s tail. Some things don’t change.

The tie of the executive is one such thing. It was, and continues to be, to the genuine executive, the vital touch to his personality. The tie is to the dynamic executive, what the tail is to the mighty dragon. Without its tail, even the fieriest dragon is apt to lose its fierceness. Similarly, without his tie, an executive is liable to lose that which bestows him with authority.

Therefore executives, if you value your effectiveness, and wish to execute with finesse, never ever leave your tie at home. You will be like the dragon without its tail, nostrils flaring fire and smoke, but only an amusing exhibition nonetheless.