Savvy businesspeople often use nonverbal cues because of their simplicity and significance to employee interaction. Master the art of this, because you’ll project more confidence, authority and more respect in the workplace. In fact, you could influence your employees’ impression of you, as well as the direction and outcome of every interaction.
Use Eye Contact to convey confidence, attention, and interest. What do the employees see? To begin with, your clothing must represent your position. I always preached a firm and yet friendly handshake (see previous blog); your grip must be firm but not tight; two shakes with a sincere smile while maintaining eye contact. Be aware of your posture; it should air of confidence and interest-involvement in the conversation.
Your employees will pay attention to your facial expressions as well as hand movements. An honest smile, eyebrow movement and hand gestures will clearly illustrate the level of your attention and care. Your tone of voice will assert yourself as skilled in communications and easy going with the employees. A level of trust will ensue.
Your employees deserve your undivided attention; do not omit that part. Focus. Listen. Ask questions to completely understand their point of view. Quickly eliminate any appearing distraction, it will add to your already positive impression.
Most important of all: Be the “first” one; be the one to take the risk. Show them leadership with high confidence. Do not cross over to arrogance. Offer your hand first, smile first, show empathy and the ability to listen, demonstrate interest and complete understanding first; bring every topic in need of discussion to the conversation, be the first to offer resolutions. Be the first to take every risk. Your employees will follow you as their leader, the visionary, the person they will trust and love to work for.
Was that helpful? Do you believe that your body language can positively affect your employees’ interaction?
Until next time,
Yours truly,
Tommy Antonopoulos, Blogger for OfficeTime
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