5 things about your Body Language at work

Your boss seems to be reading your mind and it is making you go insane. How did they ever get to know that you were looking out for a job? You have not uttered a word about the new opportunity to anyone. Could they be spying on you? Don’t be silly. Look inwards. Have you heard of the proverb – actions speak louder than words? It is true. Your body language could convey the truth to your bosses.

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @SpotLifeASIA.

1. Let’s ‘Face’ it:
There is little room for error when judging facial expressions. Unless you are an expert at masking them, people do notice an insincere smile. A plastic smile indicates you are not happy but have to oblige. No wonder eminent psychologist Silvan Tomkins affirmed way back in the year 1962-63 that the seat of emotion was in the face. Your boss might know exactly what your wide grin at the promotion announcement meant. They might also notice your inverted lip on a working Sunday. It displays an unwillingness to work. A frown could mean you doubt a decision or are annoyed about it.  Your face can express surprise, anger, disgust, and fear through the contraction and expansion of muscles. Next time you purse your lips in disappointment, be aware; your boss might read that too.

2. Your ‘posture’ gives it away:
The body can react and emote on its own, states the Embodied emotion theory.  This can be seen in the change in behavior when people are disappointed. A research related to this theory showed slumping behavior when participants were exposed to disappointment. This means, your walk and posture give away a lot about your personality and state of mind. Your boss could associate your straight-up posture with confidence. They might compliment you for your energy levels and constant activities. If you dread the morning team meetings, your slouching posture could convey this too. Hunched shoulders could convey a lack of ownership, tiredness or an inability to take initiative. You should not look submissive at all times. Practice a soldier’s walk; it can portray confidence without being over the top.

3. The ‘look’ says it all:

They might or might not be the window to your soul. Yet, your eyes could convey your interest level in a conversation. Eye contact reflects confidence. Excessive blinking indicates that you are tensed about something. Rolling eyes on a statement could hint your boss that you are being sarcastic. Lowering your gaze could let them conclude that you are guilty about something.

4. You ‘hand’ it out yourself:
Your hand gestures could give clues to your boss as well. Warm handshakes could have a better impact than a quick and unsure one. Likewise, open hand movements at a presentation convey your preparedness and confidence. It could mean that you know your subject matter. A closed-hand gesture might send a negative message across. Crossing your hands on your chest could be interpreted as your unwillingness to listen and work in a conference. Cracking knuckles and restless hand movements also convey disinterest or boredom.

5. Your ‘legs’ matter too:
A British psychologist, Prof Beattie said that people might have no idea about the secret messages their feet are giving out. The way you position or move your legs give into your thinking as well. When you cross and uncross them repeatedly, you display restlessness. If you repeat this at every session, they might think that you are waiting for work to end. Your eagerness for the meeting to end could be evident. Similarly, stretching your legs forward could portray over-confidence or a casual approach. Your boss might even feel disrespected. Leg movements like tapping the foot or heel could show enthusiasm or excitement. But, it may be a sign of nervousness or anxiety too. The same applies to you pacing the room!

To sum it up
The above could work as guidelines to help you rectify your flaws. It is necessary to incorporate basic body language discipline in your work life. Similarly, you might want to pay attention to your wardrobe and tone of talking. They could go a long way in creating the right impression at work too.