In the past,
"Image Management" was often reduced to a single letter: A for
Appearance. If a leader wore a sharp suit and a branded watch, they were
considered "sorted."
But the
definition of leadership has evolved. Today’s leader is observed not just in
the boardroom, but in the breakroom, on Zoom calls, on LinkedIn, and at client
dinners. In this hyper-connected environment, a great suit cannot hide poor
communication, and a fancy title cannot compensate for a lack of digital
credibility.
Recognizing
this shift, Prajakta Bhujbal, the Principal Image Consultant and
Founder of Palette, has expanded the traditional boundaries of image
consulting. Moving beyond surface-level styling, she introduces the ABCDE
Framework— a comprehensive 5-point system designed to help Indian
professionals build a leadership brand that is authentic, consistent, and
resilient.
Here is how
Prajakta and the Palette team define the modern leader through this framework.
A –
Appearance (The Visual Signal)
While it is not
the only factor, Appearance remains the first factor. It is the
visual data people process in the first 7 seconds of meeting you.
- The Palette Approach: Prajakta teaches that this is not
about vanity; it is about "Visual Authority." Does your attire
match the gravity of your role?
- The Leadership Shift: Are you stuck in "comfort
dressing," or are you dressing for the position you aspire to?
Palette ensures your wardrobe acts as a tool of intention, signaling
readiness and competence.
B –
Behaviour (The Silent Evidence)
You can be the
best-dressed person in the room, but if you are consistently late, interrupt
others, or lack emotional control, your image crumbles. Behaviour is the
evidence of your character.
- The Palette Approach: The framework focuses on
"Micro-Behaviours"—posture, active listening, and punctuality.
These small actions signal stability and respect.
- The Leadership Shift: Do your actions build trust or
erode it? Prajakta emphasizes that consistent behaviour is the foundation
of a credible reputation.
C –
Communication (The Voice of Authority)
Communication
is not just about vocabulary or accent; it is about clarity, tone, and brevity.
Many leaders struggle here—they either speak too much, diluting their point, or
too aggressively, alienating their team.
- The Palette Approach: Palette focuses on "Executive
Communication"—the ability to articulate a vision clearly and handle
difficult conversations with composure.
- The Leadership Shift: Do you speak to be heard, or do
you speak to be understood? Prajakta works with leaders to ensure their
voice commands the same respect as their presence.
D – Digital
Presence (The Virtual Handshake)
In 2025, your
first meeting often happens before you even enter the room. Stakeholders Google
you. They check your LinkedIn. They read your comments.
- The Palette Approach: Digital Image is no longer
optional. Palette audits your online footprint to ensure your digital
persona aligns with your real-world reputation.
- The Leadership Shift: Does your LinkedIn profile photo
look like a leader? Is your content adding value? Prajakta reminds
leaders: "If you are invisible online, you are often invisible to
opportunity."
E –
Etiquette (The Social Currency)
This is the
differentiator. Etiquette is not just about knowing which fork to use; it is
about making others feel comfortable and valued. In a globalized Indian
economy, Cultural Intelligence (CQ) and social grace are critical soft power
tools.
- The Palette Approach: From boardroom protocol to
business dining and cross-cultural sensitivity, Palette trains leaders to
navigate social nuances with ease.
- The Leadership Shift: Can you handle a formal client
dinner as comfortably as a team huddle? Do you understand the unwritten
rules of professional respect?
Why the
"E" Matters
Many image
consultants stop at A, B, and C. By actively integrating D (Digital) and
E (Etiquette), Prajakta Bhujbal acknowledges the complexity of modern
work. A leader might have great Appearance and Communication, but if they lack
Etiquette (rudeness) or Digital Presence (invisibility), their career hits a
glass ceiling.
The Palette
Promise: Alignment
The power of
the ABCDE Framework lies in its interconnectedness.
When Appearance
supports your Behaviour, and your Communication is amplified by
your Digital presence, all grounded in strong Etiquette, you
achieve something rare: Alignment.
As the
Principal Image Consultant and Founder of Palette, Prajakta Bhujbal does
not just fix the pieces; she solves the puzzle. She helps leaders move from
being "professionals with potential" to "leaders with
presence."
In a noisy
world, the ABCDE Framework is the blueprint for a quiet, commanding, and
authentic personal brand.
