WORKPLACE BODY LANGUAGE MISTAKES

(July, 2014) According to LinkedIn.com, here are The 15 Biggest Body Language Mistakes To Watch Out For At The Office:
– Leaning back too much — you come off lazy or arrogant.
– Leaning forward can seem aggressive. Aim for a neutral posture.
– Breaking eye contact too soon can make you seem untrustworthy or overly nervous. Hold eye contact a hair longer, especially during a handshake.
– Nodding too much can make you look like a bobble head doll! Even if you agree with what’s being said, nod once and then try to remain still.
– Chopping or pointing with your hands — feels aggressive.
– Crossing your arms makes you look defensive, especially when you’re answering questions. Try to keep your arms at your sides.
– Fidgeting instantly telegraphs how nervous you are. Avoid it at all costs.
– Holding your hands behind your back (or firmly in your pockets) — can look rigid and stiff. Aim for a natural, hands at your sides posture.
– Looking up or looking around is a natural cue that someone is lying or not being themselves. Try to hold steady eye contact.
– Staring can be interpreted as aggressive. There’s a fine line between holding someone’s gaze and staring them down.
– Failing to smile can make people uncomfortable, and wonder if you really want to be there. Go for a genuine smile especially when meeting someone for the first time.
– Stepping back when you’re asking for a decision conveys fear or uncertainty. Stand your ground, or even take a slight step forward with conviction.
– Steepling your fingers or holding palms up looks like a begging position and conveys weakness.
– Standing with hands on hips is an aggressive posture, like a bird or a dog puffing themselves up to look bigger.
– Checking your phone or watch says you want to be somewhere else.
So, what should you do? Aim for good posture in a neutral position, whether sitting or standing. Stand with your arms at your sides, and sit with them at your sides or with your hands in your lap. Pay attention so that you naturally hold eye contact, smile, and be yourself.
* And have fun at work, everybody!
* I do every one of these in any given two-minutes of any given day.
* Oh, wait – I’m sorry. This is a list of how NOT to behave when you’re facing a mountain lion.
* So don’t lean front, or back. Also, don’t lean to the side. People will think you’re passing gas.
* My wife checks her watch all the time. And that’s when we’re in bed.
* At least she stopped using the stopwatch.
* Also avoid rubbing your finger tips together in the “Pay me” gesture whenever they ask you to do something.
* Just work from home. After reading all these it’d be easier.
* PHONE TOPIC: Is there somebody at work who makes you nervous? What do they do?