5 ways to use body language correctly at work

Our postures, facial expressions and intonation constantly communicate something to others, including those with whom we interact on work issues. Researchers at the University of Ottawa looked at research on non-verbal communication at work and combined them into a large review. As a result, scientists have identified five main functions of non-verbal behavior in the work environment.

1. Manifestation of personality

Body language, facial expressions and voice give people an idea of who we are. By depriving colleagues of this information, we risk creating the wrong impression.

A person who does not send any non-verbal signals may be perceived by others as tough or uninterested in their work.

This does not mean that already at the first meeting with the employer, you need to demonstrate to him the full range of your non-verbal capabilities. For a positive assessment, it is enough to prove yourself a little. So, during the interview, you can use a short handshake, smile, eye contact and head nods. A moderate amount of gestures to increase the expressiveness of speech is also appropriate.

By the way, it turned out that during interviews, non-verbal cues are especially important for women. In their case, a firm handshake can make a better impression than a long and detailed account of past achievements.

2. Demonstration of power

Non-verbal cues provide information about social hierarchy in a given setting, especially in the workplace, where there is a vertical aspect of the relationship.

Power is demonstrated through appropriate postures. The following principle often works: the more space a person takes (for example, when he spreads his legs), the more confident and strong he seems. Strength also manifests itself in the person controlling or interrupting the conversation (the same applies to eye contact), using offensive intonation and a serious facial expression. At the same time, women who show aggression or are noticeably angry may be evaluated more negatively by others than men.

As for the difference in cultural perception, the researchers agree that most power signals are interpreted by residents of different countries in the same way. There are exceptions though. For example, if in America a person who has thrown his feet on the table can be perceived as a real boss, then in Japan - only as an ignoramus.

To apply this knowledge in practice, you first need to understand the service hierarchy.

Trying to demonstrate power in front of your boss is not a great career strategy. This is not the case if you are a leader. But in this case, gender matters. It should be remembered that an excessive display of anger can play a cruel joke on a woman.

And, of course, you need to take cultural norms into account: if you plan to work for a foreign company, it makes sense at least to familiarize yourself with the business etiquette adopted in the selected country.

3. Motivating people

You can influence people not only through a demonstration of power. Effective leadership can also be based on charisma. A charismatic leader is able to amplify his words by showing enthusiasm and passion. To do this, he should maintain eye contact with the audience (while the gaze should not be intent, otherwise it can be regarded as aggression), speak fluently, confidently and non-monotonously, and also demonstrate his own enthusiasm through facial expressions and gestures.

Another component of charisma is the ability to win the audience's favor, literally infect them with your idea. In this case, it is necessary to maintain an open posture, show interest in others and use a time-tested technique - a sincere smile.

4. Building harmonious relationships

Non-verbal communication can also help build positive horizontal relationships in the community. You can use the good old mirroring method to build trust and expand your social circle. It consists in repeating the posture and movements of the interlocutor.

It has also been found that compassion is essential to building good relationships. To demonstrate it, a light, innocent touch to a person who shares problems with you or looks unhappy is enough. After such tactile contact, a bond is instantly established, even between strangers.

The main thing is not to overdo it: the touch should be spared any sexual or aggressive connotation.

5. Displaying emotions

Expressing emotions through non-verbal cues can be beneficial in the work environment.

First, a bright demonstration of the feelings of one of the colleagues can cause a chain reaction. In this situation, the positive attitude of the employee is transmitted to the rest, which increases the efficiency of the work process.

Secondly, emotional manifestations can serve as a kind of barometer in the team. For example, if one of the employees leaves the boss's office angry or upset, for the rest it will be a signal not to bother the boss at this moment, which, in turn, will avoid unnecessary conflicts.

Of course, work requires concentration and endurance, but this does not mean that you need to completely hide emotions.

An attempt to keep a good face in a bad game will be regarded by colleagues rather as insincerity. The trick is that the more a person hides emotions, the more likely they are to seep through small, almost indistinguishable expressions. And it is they who are considered by colleagues.

Plus, having to keep your face on is very exhausting. That is why they talk about the exhausting "emotional work" of the service personnel.

In any case, when you are aware of what you are feeling, and adequately manifest it, the atmosphere around you becomes more favorable.

What is the bottom line

Canadian observers emphasize that non-verbal communication at work is still fertile ground for research. But even the conclusions that scientists have already come to can be usefully applied in practice.

At the very least, we should not forget that our body can tell others a little more than we suspect (or want). And it is better to use this language for your own good. Or at least master it for a start.