As an executive leadership coach, one of the most important things I teach my clients is the power of body language.
Our nonverbal cues can communicate just as much, if not more, than the words we say. In fact, studies have shown that up to 93% of communication is nonverbal.
As a leader, it is crucial to be aware of and in control of your body language, as it can greatly impact how others perceive you and respond to your leadership.
Here are some body language tips that will help you lead with confidence and command respect from those around you.
Body Language Tip: Maintain Eye Contact
As a leader, maintaining eye contact is an important aspect of effective communication. It shows that you are engaged in the conversation and that you are sincere in what you are saying. When you make eye contact, try to keep your gaze steady, relaxed and friendly. It’s also important to note that making eye contact doesn’t mean staring at someone, as that can be uncomfortable, Instead, aim for occasional, brief and natural eye contact.
Body Language Tip: Use an Open Posture
As a leader having an open posture will help you appear more approachable and confident. This means standing up straight, keeping your shoulders back and your chest open, and avoiding crossing your arms or legs. When you take up more space, you convey a sense of power and authority. In contrast, crossing your arms or legs can make you appear closed off or defensive.
Body Language Tip: Use Gestures to Emphasize Your Points
As a leader, using gestures while you speak can help emphasize your points and make your message more engaging. However, it’s important to be mindful of your gestures and not to overdo them. Aim for natural, relaxed gestures that support what you’re saying, and don’t come off as forced or rehearsed.
Body Language Tip: Show Empathy with Facial Expressions
As a leader, showing facial expressions can be powerful tools for showing empathy and connecting with others. When you are listening to someone, make sure to keep your face neutral, rather than looking bored or disinterested. When appropriate, use small nods, raise your eyebrows, or smile in order to convey interest and understanding.
Body Language Tip: Speak Clearly and Confidently
Your words are important, but so is the way you say them. As a leader, it is important to speak clearly and confidently, with good pace and cadence. Avoid speaking too quickly, too softly, or too loudly. Speak with conviction and make sure to enunciate your words. This will help ensure that your message is heard and understood by others.
In conclusion, as a leader, your body language can play a significant role in how others perceive you and respond to your leadership. With these tips, you’ll be able to communicate effectively and achieve the results you want.
Lead From Within: Your body language is a powerful tool of communication, it reveals your true thoughts and emotions, make sure it says what you want it to.
#1 N A T I O N A L B E S T S E L L E R
The Leadership Gap
What Gets Between You and Your Greatness
After decades of coaching powerful executives around the world, Lolly Daskal has observed that leaders rise to their positions relying on a specific set of values and traits. But in time, every executive reaches a point when their performance suffers and failure persists. Very few understand why or how to prevent it.
Additional Reading you might enjoy:
- 12 Successful Leadership Principles That Never Grow Old
- A Leadership Manifesto: A Guide To Greatness
- How to Succeed as A New Leader
- 12 of The Most Common Lies Leaders Tell Themselves
- 4 Proven Reasons Why Intuitive Leaders Make Great Leaders
- The One Quality Every Leader Needs To Succeed
- The Deception Trap of Leadership
Of Lolly’s many awards and accolades, Lolly was designated a Top-50 Leadership and Management Expert by Inc. magazine. Huffington Post honored Lolly with the title of The Most Inspiring Woman in the World. Her writing has appeared in HBR, Inc.com, Fast Company (Ask The Expert), Huffington Post, and Psychology Today, and others. Her newest book, The Leadership Gap: What Gets Between You and Your Greatness has become a national bestseller.