Productivity as Seen Through Your Body Language

Body Language experts, and out mothers, have long told us that there are some basic things that people should know and do. Gentlemen shake hands when they meet and crossing your arms across your chest is a defensive posture.

Since our body speaks for us, in the eyes of others, it is important that a leader walks as he talks. This list of body language and posture are simple things that you can do to give the impression of being a confident leader and the impression can be everything in establishing a good sense of office productivity.

As you read through this list of how to give a good impression, remember that this holds true in the Anglo-Saxon world. A simple example is that making eye contact in some countries is offensive and a man making eye contact with a woman in some countries can be dangerous.

Having given that warning, make eye contact. Always look directly at the person you are speaking to, especially if they are speaking. The experts will tell you that the direction you move your eyes tells how your mind is working. Looking directly into the eyes of the speaker simply shows that you are interested in the conversation. This will also give you a sense of confidence.

Face the person you're talking to. After eye contact this shows you are interested in what is being said and that you are fully engaged in the conversation. A person sitting down with their back half turned and looking over their shoulder can answer a yes or no question. This type posture if a conversation is a clear sign that "I want to get away!"

Always smile. A smile is contagious and this has been tested to be true. When standing in line, look at the person next to you, smile and make a brief eye contact. The person will smile back. Always having a smile in the office will make others feel positive, and even safe, when you're around.

How may times has it been said in an office to avoid someone because they look like they are having a bad day. Avoiding people simply means dropping productivity. Period.

Shake hands appropriately. Shaking hands can be considered a reflection of the person you are shaking hands with. A man does not want to crush a woman's hand and no one wants to come across as either unsure or overbearing. Practice a handshake that is as firm as the persons whose hand you are shaking. Also, don't hold on too long, it annoys some people.

Stand tall. Short or tall, man or woman, stand to your full height. This may sound a bit like the military but you keep your shoulders back and stomach in. When you stand at your full height you will have an air of confidence.

Stand with your hands lightly held together behind your back. This has the double benefit of helping you stand tall and it is seen as an open position that is not intimidating. As stated above crossing arms across the chest is defensive.

It is also a good walking habit to have your hands behind the back if you are one of those the lean too far forward while walking. Keep your head up and take even strides. Walk confidently.

If you just can't keep your hands behind your back, then put your hands in your pockets.

But...

Take your hands out of your pockets it can be seen as a sign that you have something to hide. If you just don't know what to do with your hands, there are alternatives. Always carry a notepad and pen with you. A notepad can be useful to take notes, but it is great in keeping your hands out of your pockets and from crossing your arms across your chest.

Sit up straight and if you are in a meeting you should be leaning slightly forward. Productive people are leaning forward ready to jump in and do something. The people that are leaning back have other things on their mind.

Leaning back means you can't imagine why someone would have called this meeting at 7 in the evening on a Friday, and leaning in means you are ready to get things done.

Worst of all, slouching, makes you look disinterested and can give off an impression of laziness, but since you are standing tall, sitting tall should only be natural.

In the eyes of others our body speaks for us before the first word leaves our lips. A person assumed to naturally be the leader of a team is not always the leader, but usually the person that naturally gives that impression. Attention to your body language and posture are simple things that can give others the impression that you are confident leader to be trusted and trust can be vital in establishing a good sense of office productivity.

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