Looks Matter In Leadership. Here's Why That's Not Superficial

Forbes

22-05-2025

Life offers a series of uncomfortable truths, often rooted not in surface-level perception but in our deeper human wiring. One of those truths is that appearance still matters. Whether we're talking about economic, social, or political advantage, there's long been an undercurrent of belief in what's known as "pretty privilege" or beauty bias. In 2025, discussing appearance and leadership in the same breath may seem outdated or offensive.
We live in a time of heightened sensitivity, swift backlash, and disagreement often met with protest or cancellation. But here's the truth: how you show up still matters, and the data backs it up. A workplace survey conducted by StandOut CV in 2025 revealed a compelling trend: individuals who rated themselves as extremely attractive earned, on average, $19,945 more than those who rated themselves as unattractive. Even more telling, 71% of CEOs rated themselves a 9 or 10 out of 10, more than double the general population.
Is this just about good-looking people getting a free pass? Or is appearance a proxy for something deeper: discipline, presence, intentionality, and commitment to excellence?
Let's set aside the small minority of individuals born with standout genetics. For everyone else, appearance, especially in leadership, is less about vanity and more about values. Your physical presence can be visible proof of traits like discipline, attention to detail, a willingness to delay gratification, and high personal standards. These qualities, when cultivated consistently, naturally elevate your presence and aura.
Studies have consistently shown links between physical appearance and professional outcomes. For instance, research in the Journal of Applied Psychology found that someone six feet tall earns nearly $166,000 more over a 30-year career than someone 5'5", even when controlling for gender, age, and weight. Each additional inch of height was associated with $789 more per year.
But "pretty privilege" isn't always about being born with ideal features. A study published in Personnel Psychology had managers evaluate 300 mock elevator pitches. The more attractive individuals were deemed more hirable, but not simply because of their looks. What made the difference was nonverbal presence. Interestingly, even those rated lower on attractiveness gained similar influence by improving their posture, proving that executive presence isn't just for those rated high in innate attractiveness.
In the StandOut CV study, 83.4% of respondents said people who invest in their appearance are perceived as more competent or professional. In today's world, where many standards have relaxed, appearance has become shorthand for consistency and care. Visual signals cut through noise and suggest reliability in a world of increasingly scarce attention.
A leader's best investment is in themselves—physically, mentally, and professionally. Your body, mind, and presence aren't secondary assets in your leadership portfolio; they're primary assets. And yet, this comes with pressure. According to the StandOut CV report:
But creating your own "beauty bias" isn't about following transient trends or trying to be someone else. It's about being intentional. It's about aligning your outer presentation with your inner standards so that what people see matches who you are. People trust those who show up with care because it suggests they'll likely bring the same care to their work. If you're looking to elevate your leadership and overall presence, start creating your own bias with the habits below:
Workplace bias is real, especially when people are penalized for their race, hair texture, or failure to fit narrow norms. At the same time, 55.7% of respondents said they've downplayed their looks just to be taken seriously. Both extremes are problems. The key is intentionality, not conformity, and certainly not performative perfection. Appearance isn't everything, but it is something. It sends a message before you say a word.
Self-care, fitness, and presentation aren't vanity metrics. These tools are strategic levers for elevating your leadership. In a competitive world where margins are razor thin, intangibles—like presence—can create meaningful separation. It may be an uncomfortable truth for some, but it remains true: appearance matters in leadership. Far from being superficial, it reflects how you think, live, and lead.