This post was developed via a partnership with BetterHelp…
Nonverbal communication can be even more effective than normal conversation. Through subtle or unconscious movements, we can expose our thoughts, beliefs, and feelings without saying a word. Those adept at reading body language can pick up our intentions and emotions, even if we don’t verbally communicate them ourselves.
Body language is crucial to navigating the work world, as it helps you communicate your thoughts, exhibit friendliness, and project confidence. Confidence and friendliness are essential for career success as they show you can network effectively and do well at your job.
So if you are struggling with your career or to gain the respect of your coworkers and superiors, changing your posture and body language may help. Here are a few ways to adjust your body language to improve your career.
Stand Tall And Erect
Standing tall is one of the classic ways to exhibit confidence and power. Therefore, make sure your back is straight, your shoulders are back, and your head is held high whenever standing or walking. You can also take a similar stance while sitting. Keep your feet flat on the floor and your back straight to project your confidence.
Whether standing or sitting, slouching exhibits laziness, indicating to your coworkers that you don’t want to be productive. Furthermore, keeping your head down while standing betrays your low self-esteem and signals to others that you are not open to talking. This posture not only prevents you from making friends at work but may also hurt your reputation as many may assume you are lazy or not confident in your work.
Take Up Space
Taking up space indicates power and confidence. People who exhibit power are seen as trustworthy and better workers. Conversely, people who shrink away and fear taking up space are seen as too timid to be trusted with more significant tasks or promotions and therefore hardly receive any recognition.
This is another reason why standing tall has such a powerful impact on the people around you. Standing up straight takes up more space and displays more power. You can further the effect by widening your stance and parting your feet instead of keeping them together.
You should also try other behaviors that take up space. For example, you can move around while talking to someone or presenting to an audience. When sitting, you can widen your arms away from your body or simply take up more space at the conference table by spreading out your belongings.
Maintain Eye Contact
Eye contact is one of the most fundamental ways to show confidence and connection with your peers. It indicates to your coworkers that you are engaged and invested in the conversation. However, it also shows your assertiveness, that you are equal to the person you are conversing with no matter their job title or status.
Conversely, avoiding eye contact betrays low self-esteem or that you are not engaged in the conversation. People who are shy or introverted often avoid eye contact. Though it is such a simple form of body language, it can be the sole factor in someone’s subconscious opinion of you.
However, you don’t want to stare at the person intently for the entire conversation. It is important to break away eye contact occasionally. Experts suggest maintaining eye contact for about 50 to 70% of the conversation. It’s enough to show you are engaged without looking creepy or weirding out your conversation partner.
Use Open Gestures
Working with teams and networking requires friendliness and openness. Collaboration and teamwork are what help you get ahead in your career, not being a jerk or a lone wolf. Therefore, you want to exhibit body language that shows you are open and want to interact with others.
When talking with your peers, keep your movements relaxed and your arms open (instead of crossed over your chest) as well as your palms (instead of hidden or in a fist). This body language shows that people can approach you and feel safe in your presence.
Smile
It’s better to make friends than enemies on your career path. You want to show people that you are warm, caring, and engaging, no matter where your career takes you. Therefore, no matter what is happening, always remember to smile. Even if you are having a bad day or working through difficult challenges, exhibiting friendly body language denotes friendliness and respect. It shows that no matter what is happening, you respect your coworkers enough to not take it out on them.
To learn more about the importance of body language or to find more tips that can improve other areas of your life, click on the link below:
https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/body-language/