Body language tips for leaders and managers

19 May 2014

A number of our clients have asked us to incorporate some very basic tips into our management training workshops.

Here are some you'll no doubt have come acorss and hopefully a few new ones:

Tilting the head slightly to one side indicates active listening
Nodding also indicates listening and says ‘I understand you’
Two ears – one mouth – use them in that proportion (listen twice as much as you speak)
Smile if the subject is not serious
Eye contact – look between the eyes at the centre point between the eyebrows
If seated, keep hands still and folded in lap
If standing, keep hands relaxed and in front
When sitting, wagging your foot or knees, as does fidgeting – suggests impatience
Cross-arms – defensive stance
Looking down or away or worst of all at your watch says ‘You’re not interesting’
Touching the ear suggests dishonesty
Too much touching of the face says ‘I’m nervous’
When standing, putting your hands behind the back saying I’m hiding something
When standing, avoid holding a folder or drink in front of you as this creates a barrier – instead, hold to one side

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