How body language can make you a better leader

Raising your game as a leader can include developing your understanding of body language.

Noticing things beyond the words spoken can actually tell you much more. We inadvertently do add meaning to body language, but paying greater attention to the nonverbal aspects of communication - with genuine awareness - could really open up pathways, opportunities, conversations and successes that otherwise remain closed.

Looking beyond the words

It allows you to ask open questions, without judgment, about what is really going on for a team member or peer. It gives you clues!

They will, in turn, respect that you are not being presumptuous or judgmental, but genuinely want to find out more about a matter or want to explore a new idea or suggestion further.

Inadvertently, you are also showing a keener professional interest in your team member or peer than the last person in your shoes.

Great leaders are constantly building great relationships with their team, whatever it takes.

What should you look for?

Some of the non-verbal signals worth paying attention to include:

• facial expressions/gestures including frowning, smiling, raising eyebrows, twitching, and licking lips
• physical gestures, including hand movements, rubbing palms, scratching
• movement while talking or listening, including swaying, shaking, stepping away, and moving one’s head
• hesitations
• eye contact, dilation or movement, including blinking rates
• tone, volume or changes in voice, including sighing
• posture and stance
• appearance including clothes

As a leader, the more you notice, the more information you have available to ask further relevant questions and, in turn, this allows you to get greater clarity, build greater relationships and therefore, even greater performance as you really 'tune in'. 

Don't assume the answers, ask. People like it when their leaders are human.

Your body language matters too

People look up to you, even admire you, and leaders do well by displaying positive body language whilst being aware of others’.

This can begin with something as simple as:

• how smartly you dress for work – your crisp shirt, your polished shoes
• your eye contact
• your upbeat, interested tone of voice

How do you 'feel' or what do you think when you meet someone dressed scruffily? What messages are you deliberately or inadvertently giving?

A final thought

One important note of caution is that body language can vary between organisations, cultures and individuals.

If you work internationally or across different cultures, take time to understand what particular behaviours may mean in different settings.

Body language should always be viewed as an opportunity to become more curious, not more judgemental.

This article reflects my own personal experience of the value of understanding body language and the positive difference it can make to leadership and communication.