Tattoos: What do they say about your leadership?

I recently had the privilege of coaching a very senior and successful business leader in a global pharmaceutical company. She’s at the very top of her professional game, well regarded, and highly valued within her organisation. As we spoke, she shared with me that she has a few tattoos. “Really?! Can I see them?”, I asked, and she shyly rolled up her sleeve.

Along her forearm was a selection of four or five tattoos that were artistically beautiful and unique. Each had a personal story and were clearly meaningful to my client. One referenced family, another spoke to her entrepreneurial successes, and they all shared a great sense of humour, warmth and creativity. Qualities which she already knew were her superpowers in her role, but which she tried to limit attention to as she worried they made her vulnerable to criticism. The same reason she explained why she hid her tattoos in the first place. I couldn’t help but wonder what other parts of herself were being hidden away and how much more she, and the business she led, could thrive if she felt safe enough to bring all of herself to work every day.

Clearly, I don’t have a problem with other people’s tattoos. (Shhh, don’t tell anyone, but I have one too.) But, how do YOU feel about tattoos in the corporate workplace? Would it change your opinion about your boss or colleague if you found out they had a tattoo or several? Do you have one and hide it? What difference, if any, would it make if you felt you didn’t have to keep them covered up?