The Art of Reading Body Language - Your Boss' Body Language

Source: Yahoo! HotJobs:

Now, more than ever, understanding body language in the workplace isn't just a game - it's a career necessity! In this fast paced competitive world, it is very important to notice a visual clue and react appropriately.

Don't just listen - watch! Actions do speak louder than words.


It's easy to miss subtle messages in the way someone positions her body, uses her hands, moves her eyes or alters her tone of voice. But when you do, you can miss out on vital information at work, from peers and supervisors alike, where decoding "body talk" matters as much as - and sometimes more than - the spoken word. Why? Because nonverbal cues are more immediate, instinctive and uncontrolled than verbal expression, bringing genuine attitudes and feelings smack into the open.

It's never going to be easy understanding your boss. He is, after all, a human and as you have probably noticed, humans can be very unpredictive at times. A person's body language reveals definite clues about the person's thought process. So, let's get started with some basics as Pat Mayfield articulated in her article published in Yahoo! Hotjobs.

Most employees pay attention to what the boss says, while the savvy employee also pays attention to how it is being said. Bosses can be good at using -- not just reading -- body language, which may be one of the reasons they got to be boss in the first place.

Often the body changes quickly if the boss likes or does not like what he saw or heard, or if she is uncomfortable in what she is saying to you. So watch closely -- it happens in a nanosecond!

Pat lists down some ways to help interpret the boss' body language. Here they are:

Body Stance and Posture

Positive:

  • Physically on the same level (sitting or standing).
  • Directly faces you.
  • Comes into your office rather than just standing at the door.
  • In a group, sits or stands close to you.

Negative:

  • Does not face you directly.
  • Stands and looks down on you. (Ever have a boss who never sits?)
  • Places both hands on his hips to create a wingspan. (Even the big guys and gals who don't need more "space" may do this.)
  • In groups, avoids you, sits with others, or does not introduce you.

Eyes, Head, and Face

Positive:

  • Looks you directly in the eye.
  • Muscles around the eye are relaxed.
  • Facial muscles are relaxed. Lips are their normal size.
  • Pleasant face and friendly smile.

Negative:

  • Rapid eye movement, does not look at you; has a cold, glaring, staring, or glazed-over look.
  • Blinks more than normal.
  • Raises one eyebrow as if in disbelief or doubt.
  • Facial muscles are tight; lips thin out.
  • Jaw muscles and clenched, and temple or neck veins throb.
  • Smile is stiff and forced.

Hands, Arms, and Gestures

Positive:

  • Hands are in view, opened, calm.
  • Arms are open (but may be crossed in a comfortable position).

Negative:

  • Hands are not in sight -- in pockets, or under the table or desk.
  • Hands (in sight) are closed or in a fist; fingers tightly clasped.
  • Arms are tightly crossed (defensive or protective position).
  • Points or wags his or her finger aggressively.
  • Drums his or her fingers or fidgets nervously.
To conclude, she says,
Remember, sometimes body language is not about you. Bosses have their own issues and you might just be in the line of fire. Observe many situations and look for consistency for the full story.



It's the broadening of communication that makes understanding body language a valuable skill in every facet of life. Knowing more about how someone feels and thinks will not only give you a business and personal advantage, but boost your confidence as well.

Finally, it is about you as well:
It isn't enough just to understand other people's body language - controlling your own nonverbal signals can improve your image and increase your success.



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