Body language is a form of non-verbal communication
involving facial expressions, gestures, touch, eye movements, use of space and
posture. Body language in the workplace includes actions and behaviour and can
be used to improve communication and make a positive impression. Are we paying
attention to the signals which we are sending out without speaking? It is
important to learn the messages that we are sending out to our co-workers
non-verbally through our gestures. Decoding and becoming conscious of our
gestures can help us to become a more effective and persistent communicator. Body
language has a very strong influence on how people perceive you.
Few body language issues
can ruin our image without us even realizing it. Interpretations of body language vary from country to
country, and from culture to culture. Being aware of
co-workers nationality and the way they perceive non-verbal cues matters a lot
and it can avoid mis-communication. Business etiquette demands an entrepreneur
and managers to be aware of their postures during meetings and being aware of
non-verbal cues.
Body Posture to Connect During Meetings
Sitting straight in
the chair with backs remaining upright indicates you are competent,
enthusiastic and are paying attention to the discussion with team-mates. It
sends positive signals when arms are resting on either side of the chair. Sometimes during
long meetings, it is easy to slouch, however slouching conveys incompetency,
not positive, non-caring and less energetic. Be aware of your posture. Do not hunch over computer screens and phones, as
these poor postures are bad
for physical and emotional health.
It also conveys that you are being protective, guarded or inattentive. Do not rub your hands
during meetings as it conveys the message of “I am not buying this” or “I am
not interested”
Role of Hands - Fidgeting
Keep your hands visible.
Relax your shoulders. Do not wring or clench your hands. Do not make a fist as
it indicates stress and anger. When we are fidgeting with hands it is giving a
signal stating that you are disinterested in the meeting discussion and are
feeling bored.
Whether you’re twirling a
lock of hair or tapping the legs or playing with objects on the table, all these
actions are distracting . It may
be due to nervousness. But fidgeting too much in a meeting will cause
colleagues to think that we are not in the same page. In a
meeting or a conversation, be aware of foot-tapping, nose-rubbing or twisting
thumb. Let the focus be on making eye contact, tilting your head and keeping
your hands visible.
Facial Expressions
Whenever someone in the office approaches your work station, be
conscious to focus on what the person is saying. Look up, smile, open your
palms and relax. This will give an impression that you are warm, friendly and
approachable. Do not come across as angry or frustrated when you look up from your
device. You may not realize it, but that look of deep concentration with eyes
narrowed and brows furrowed gives a wrong impression.
Eye Contact
eye contact matters even in a world dominated
by smart phones. When you do
not see a person eye to eye it causes them to think hard about how to engage with
this person. When you are holding your chin down or stare at the floor makes
you appear as insecure, sad and displays a lack of confidence. If your phone is causing
you to look down or avoid eye contact, inform the person that you need a minute
to answer it and then get back to the person in front of you. Do not check it
constantly in someone else’s presence. It shows disrespect. People who don’t
value you do it. Whenever you are passing
someone in a common area in the office, make eye contact, slightly raise your
eyebrows and smile. It makes the other person feel safe and signals you’re
their friend.
Crossing your
arms
Avoid crossing your arms
over your chest, turning your torso away from someone or placing objects
between you and the person you’re speaking to. It sends off signals that you’re
only partially engaged or pretending to be engaged. Keeping your upper body
open indicates openness and willingness to listen.
Check
with friends or trusted colleagues for feedback regarding your body language. One
more good strategy is to identify famous leaders or people you admire in your workplace. Take note of their
habits. Above all, life is theatre, and being aware of how you present yourself
is vital at work.
Comment below with your thoughts.
Watch this space for more insights on healthy mindset for self-leadership. Want to bring about the culture of managing with meditation,
progress and perform mindfully for maximizing your outcomes in a playful
approach at your workplace or in your venture, attend our Turning
Point– Turn in and Tune in workshop. Mail us at culture@hasovan.com for more
details. Our team would be happy to get in touch. Catch the work-place
philosophy of various companies in the book “Erupt with Joy” by Savitha
Hosamane.
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