Leadership Tip

How your body language can let you down

Your gestures, posture, and facial expressions all communicate strong messages to those around you. However, many people don't realize the impact their body language has. The next time you're in a crucial meeting, take a moment to ask yourself these two questions:

  1. Am I fidgeting? If you're sitting still and listening, then all is probably well. But if you're shifting about in your chair, drumming your fingers, or worst of all, looking at your phone, then you can be sure that the person talking feels like you're not interested in what they have to say.
     
  2. Am I interrupting? In any healthy debate people will occasionally interrupt. But if you do it a lot, or are leaning in to make your point, people may feel that you're not open to what they are saying.

The above leadership tip...
was sent in response to a question from a participant on our acclaimed 10/10 leadership development and mentoring programme. Whether you're a first time manager or an experienced leader, straightforward, practical advice on best practice is hard to find. Until now. To find out how you, your team or your organisation can benefit, please contact us.


Looking for a speaker for your next event?
William Montgomery, our Founder and CEO, is available as a keynote speaker and event host. His experience as a speaker encompasses a wide number of audiences on a diverse array of subjects. He is also a volunteer for Speakers for Schools and Inspiring the Future.

Subscribe

Free weekly email on things you didn't know last week with links to articles on leadership excellence. To view previous editions click here.


Unlock your potential

Whether face to face, or over the telephone, we can develop your leadership skills, support you in making important decisions, and help you reach your potential.

Read More

Leadership Articles

10 actions for effective communication

High-quality communication is an essential element in business and organisational performance. Effective communication relies on engaging with people, having a commitment to building strong and productive relationships and realising that we communicate... read more

10 actions for advancing your career

Standing out at work isn’t about wearing a flashy hat - though, that could help. The more effective way to make an impact is by developing the skills that will get you noticed. Here are 10 strategies for advancing your career: Make skills... read more

10 actions for achieving best performance

Success does not begin with radically changing the way you work or acquiring new skills: the first step is to take what you already do to the highest level.  However trivial it may seem, if you can do a task more smartly than you did before, and... read more

Leadership Tips

How your body language can let you down

Your gestures, posture, and facial expressions all communicate strong messages to those around you. However, many people don't realize the impact their body language has. The next time you're in a crucial meeting, take a moment to ask yourself these two... read more

How to keep employees honest

While it's impossible to predict every potential conflict of interest employees may face, you can significantly increase the likelihood that they will act in the company's best interest by providing clear, detailed guidelines. By setting expectations and... read more

How to regain your focus

Regaining focus can be tough, especially when distractions, fatigue, or lack of motivation get in the way. Whether you are struggling to concentrate at work, while studying, or on personal projects, sharpening your focus can make a huge difference in... read more