Six principles of nonverbal communication every manager should follow

The success of managers depends not only on their hard skills and ability to organise their team’s work but also, and primarily, on everyday communication. Without effective communication, there can be no effective team leadership. And effective communication depends largely on its nonverbal component. Here are six principles of nonverbal communication every manager should follow.

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These tips were published by INC.com.

Maintain appropriate eye contact

Strive to maintain steady yet natural eye contact with the person you are speaking to. If your eyes frequently wander, or you look down at the table or around the room, you may come across as nervous, incompetent, or even dishonest.

Keep an upright and open posture

Managers should project competence and healthy self-confidence. The best way to express these qualities is to maintain a firm and upright posture, avoiding slouching or leaning forward, while also keeping an open stance toward the person you are speaking with. This nonverbally conveys transparency and trust.

Avoid appearing overly authoritative

Team leaders sometimes attempt to use nonverbal signals to show they are in full control and strong in their leadership. However, they may overdo it and come across as arrogant or overly authoritarian. Avoid this mistake, remain authentic, and don't try to intimidate others with your nonverbal behaviour.

Respond to the other person nonverbally

A great way to build trust with people around you is to react nonverbally to what they are saying. If, for example, someone shares something surprising, let your facial expression reflect that surprise. By doing so, you show you are genuinely listening and sharing the same emotions as the other person. This will help you earn their trust more easily.

Avoid touching your face too often

Frequent face touching can subconsciously make others feel that you are nervous or insecure. Avoid such gestures as rubbing your eyes, stroking your chin, or touching your nose or mouth too often.

Use appropriate gestures

The gestures you use should always support what you are saying. They ought not to be overly theatrical or exaggerated. Instead, they need to complement and emphasise the content of your message.

 

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Article source Inc.com - a U.S. magazine and web focused on starting businesses
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