Business Expert and best-selling author Bernard Marr shared these 15 common body language faux pas that you should be conscious of in the workplace:
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Leaning Back too much — you come off lazy or arrogant.
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Leaning forward — can seem aggressive. Aim for a neutral posture.
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Breaking eye contact too soon — can make you seem untrustworthy or overly nervous. Hold eye contact a hair longer, especially during a handshake.
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Nodding too much — can make you look like a bobble head doll! Even if you agree with what’s being said, nod once and then try to remain still.
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Chopping or pointing with your hands — feels aggressive.
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Crossing your arms — makes you look defensive, especially when you’re answering questions. Try to keep your arms at your sides.
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Fidgeting — instantly telegraphs how nervous you are. Avoid it at all costs.
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Holding your hands behind your back (or firmly in your pockets) — can look rigid and stiff. Aim for a natural, hands at your sides posture.
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Looking up or looking around — is a natural cue that someone is lying or not being themselves. Try to hold steady eye contact.
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Staring — can be interpreted as aggressive. There’s a fine line between holding someone’s gaze and staring them down.
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Failing to smile — can make people uncomfortable, and wonder if you really want to be there. Go for a genuine smile especially when meeting someone for the first time.
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Stepping back when you’re asking for a decision — conveys fear or uncertainty. Stand your ground, or even take a slight step forward with conviction.
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Steepling your fingers or holding palms up — looks like a begging position and conveys weakness.
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Standing with hands on hips — is an aggressive posture, like a bird or a dog puffing themselves up to look bigger.
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Checking your phone or watch — says you want to be somewhere else. Plus, it’s just bad manners.
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