Social Psychologist, Amy Cuddy, shares her studies on the effects of non-verbal behaviour (body language signs) and snap judgments in varied environments, from the classroom to the boardroom. Her research on body language reveals that we can change other people’s perceptions and perhaps even our own body chemistry simply by adjusting body positions.
Body language in business
The manner in which you communicate with your employees, clients and others is not just about the words you use. Body language plays a major role. In fact, body language can undermine what you are communicating verbally. Leaders, established and aspiring, need to take note of the body language they’re conveying. Trying to tell someone that they are doing a good job while displaying negative types of body language, like avoiding eye contact, checking your watch or crossing your arms, can nullify the impact of that message.
You don’t even have to be talking for negative body language to undermine what you’re trying to do. For example, an employee sits down in your office to talk about a problem they’re having. You could actually be listening, but because you’re slumped in your chair, the employee might think that you’re uninterested in what they have to say.
Body language is not a hard concept to grasp, and can positively improve your interactions in business. Moreover, it can help you clarify difficult situations and could possibly be that ace up your sleeve in negotiations.
