What Does Your Body Language Signal?

Body language communicates attitudes, status cues and assertiveness to everyone in the room nonverbally. You may want to exude a powerful, bold image to your clients, but find that meetings with your co-workers require a different leadership style. Instead of overpowering everyone at the meeting, try different nonverbal tricks to be a more effective team member.

Leadership expert and author Carol Kinsey Goman writes that managers and bosses must learn to keep their body language relaxed and open when collaboration is the key. Otherwise, a confident attitude may lead to misunderstandings and squelch open dialogue before it even starts.

The first step is to display open body language by uncrossing your legs and holding your arms away from your body. Keep your palms visible to the rest of the room, or rest them on the table or your desk. Studies reveal that people respond better to an open stance, plus this type of body cue shows that you are not hiding anything.

Leaning forward, toward the speaker, is another way to use your body language to show the rest of the room that you are ready to listen to what other people have to say. On the other hand, leaning back in your chair shows disinterest and a negative attitude toward the other people in the room. Similarly, you should face the speaker with your entire body, not just your head. When someone else in the room speaks, turn your chair to face the person.

Mirror someone else's behavior to show that you are actively engaged in the conversation. Mimicking another person's gestures and body language shows empathy and inclusion. The caveat with this maneuver is that it has limits. If someone is upset, mirroring the person may make you seem aggressive. When two aggressive postures collide, an argument or heated debate may get worse. When you feel upset by someone in the room, avoid frowning and do not show a confrontational stance unless you want to lose control of the meeting quickly.

Move your head to encourage others in the room. Nodding at least three times in succession shows a speaker that you are interested in what he is saying and invites the speaker to continue talking. Tilting your head can also signal empathy and interest Tilt your head in the direction of someone speaking, but do not overdo this cue because head-tilting can also come across as a sign of submission.

The best leadership style you can present in a collaborative meeting is to pay attention as much as possible. Look at who speaks, respond appropriately and give non-verbal feedback to show the speaker is valued and included in the meeting.

Showing everyone who's boss can be a good leadership trait at the appropriate time. However, there are also times when another approach is necessary. Expressing yourself through engaged, relaxed body language communicates a concern for the team effort and an enthusiasm for collaboration, without the appearance of passivity.

Photo courtesy of Chris Lott at Flickr.com