Do Looks and Luck Affect Your Career?

The other day I was chatting with a relatively successful senior executive, a potential customer, actually. And while I'm reluctant to admit this, when the guy was talking, when I should have been listening, something popped into my mind, something entirely irrelevant to the conversation.

Here's what it was:

How did this guy become an executive, and how much of him becoming an executive had absolutely nothing to do with his competence at work? Where that thought came from, I have no idea. I guess my brain just seems to have a mind of its own, sometimes.

Anyway, as with many of these brain farts, this one screamed "blog post." It's a question we all ponder, but there's not much data to say one way or the other: How much do non-work-related factors affect your chances of becoming a successful executive?

Here are my thoughts on nine factors that came to mind:

• Schmoozing. It's not what you know, but who you know, right? That tired old line implies it's fixed or something you're born with. Bull. In today's hyper-networked world, social or old-school, it's entirely up to you. And yes, it's a huge factor.
• Looks. In theory, I would think it makes a difference, but in practice, I don't see it. Tall, short, hot, ugly, fat, skinny, doesn't seem to matter.
• Luck. This is a no brainer. Yes, of course. That said, folks do make their own luck by being open to opportunity, networking, listening for epiphanies, etc. That's certainly been the case in my experience.
• Timing. They say timing is everything. When it comes to climbing the corporate ladder, it's absolutely true. If you can't figure out why, just forget it.
• Upbringing. Wealthy parents may have connections that open doors, poor parents may place emphasis on work ethic, and there's everything in between. It's all good. Net-net: I observe zero correlation in the real world.
• Temperament. When it comes to personality, executives run the gamut. In terms of getting there or not, like upbringing, it just doesn't seem to matter.
• Dress. Business dress has certainly become more casual over time, but let me put it this way: when I meet with potential clients for the first time, I wear traditional business attire. Why? Because you only have one chance to make a first impression.
• Grooming. Bill Gates and other geek entrepreneurs got away with being sloppy for one simple reason: they're brilliant. But you and me, afraid not. All things being equal, I think presentable wins over unkempt. Maybe it shouldn't, but I'm pretty sure it does.
• Dysfunctionality. I hesitate to repeat what various psychiatric professionals have told me, but I have to admit, it correlates to the real world: an unusually high percentage of executives seem to be dysfunctional. Why? That's a long, long story.

Note: I decided to steer clear of race and gender because they've been covered to death. Besides, when there's plenty of stats, who needs commentary, right?