Whether you're interviewing for a new job, asking for a raise, having a performance review or just in a meeting with your supervisor, how you carry yourself makes a huge difference in the way that you and your abilities are perceived. If you seem hesitant, uncertain or overly apologetic, your boss is much more likely to view you as someone who is a valuable follower, but not a leader. On the other hand, if you act confident and capable, they will relate to you as peer. They will be able to picture you as an employee, as someone who could handle a promotion or as an employee who deserves to be rewarded.
During these meetings, what you say is important, but also keep in mind what you don't say. In fact, when it comes to being seen as a leader, body language can be extremely important.
To improve the image that you present, here are four mistakes to avoid:
Stop shaking your leg – When sitting with businesspeople, coworkers, or interviewers, try to keep still and calm, and avoid shaking your leg repetitively or tapping your foot. These are nervous habits that people may not realize that they are doing, but for onlookers, they can come across as acts of anxiety. To prevent doing this, try crossing your legs at the ankles.
Be careful about mimicking body language – Many body language experts agree that the quickest way to build trust and rapport with someone is by copying their body language. If they lean forward, you should lean forward. However, this only works when their body language is expressing a positive emotion. If they are upset or trying to solve a problem, copying them will make you seem aggressive.
Keep your hands away from your neck – Our necks are filled with nerve endings and rubbing them makes us feel instantly calmer. This is part of the reason that a neck massage feels so good and relieves so much stress. Without even realizing it, many of us reach up and rub our necks or shoulders when we're stressed. On it's own, it's not a bad gesture, however when we're in a meeting or talking with a supervisor, it should be avoided because it lookS similar to putting your hands on the front of your neck, which is usually an indication of deception. The last thing you'll want is for your boss to view you as someone who is dishonest.
Don't frown – It sounds super simple, but remembering to smile is the very best thing you can do to make a good impression. Even when you are stressed out, worried or upset, just the act of smiling can make you feel better and will help those around you feel more relaxed as well.
Having good body language will help you make a great impression, no matter what the circumstances are. Remember, if you look upset or stressed out, everyone will assume that's how you're feeling, whether it's true or not.
What other body language tricks do you think help? What mistakes have you seen others make? Please share your thoughts in the comments.
Image source: MorgueFile
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