Courtesy:BanffCenter for Leadership.
You may believe what you are saying is clear, but is it? A major
business challenge, communicating effectively is crucial for managers
and leaders. Though the actual “words” you say constitute a small part
of the communication process, nonverbal communication represents
65 to 93 per cent of the meaning1,2 and most people attend more to
nonverbal cues than words3.
You may scoff at that fact. But, your voice tone, gestures, posture, eye
contact, facial expression, and other nonverbal cues all communicate
what words may not be able to. Or, even worse, nonverbal cues may
communicate something totally different than the actual words you
are saying, thereby lessening your integrity and authority, and your coworkers’
confidence, faith, and trust in you as a manager and leader.
This is even more critical given the fact that effective communication
is the foundation for several leadership competencies, like building
relationships, conflict management, and developing others.
Awareness of nonverbal communication may be a key factor in
improving your communication skills and ultimately, in becoming a
better manager and leader.
Two managers may say the exact same phrase to a troubled subordinate:
“If you want, you can come to my office so we can discuss your
concerns.” One manager says these words in a terse, bothersome
manner, while the back is turned, walking away. The other manager
says those same exact words, softly, standing two to four feet away,
with a concerned look on the face, and looking the staff member
squarely in the eye. Which person do you think would want to see
their manager? Though extreme, this interaction is not out of the
ordinary. There are six “channels” of nonverbal communication.4,5
Attention to these will help you become a better communicator, which
will lead to better interactions in dealing with, and leading others.
Rhythm and Use of Time – A fast pace expresses urgency or
impatience, a slow pace confusion or lack of knowledge. Being
constantly late to meetings gives the impression that you do not
care for the attendees, their time, and work.
Interpersonal Distance (Space) and Touch – Standing close to
someone conveys liking and caring, farther away, caution and
distrust. Touch, especially in the workplace, carries extreme
meanings, and should be used cautiously.
Objectics – Clothes, hair, jewelry and fragrance may not only tell
others if you are “up to date” with fashion, but also if you are
organized, neat, efficient, and confident (unwrinkled shirt, pressed
pants, styled hair, etc.).
Gestures and Postures – Slouched posture and hands in pockets
convey boredom; standing erect, using your hands during
conversation conveys confidence and interest.
Facial Expression – An unclear smile, frown, or look of anger –
using them at inappropriate times, or not at all – can spell disaster
in communicating with others.
Paralanguage – Voice tone, pitch, volume, the “uhs” and “ums” of
your speech all convey something other than the actual words.
This advice comes with a warning label, however. If you approach
people in a genuine, authentic manner, utilizing nonverbal behaviors
will be of great value to you. If, however, your motivation is to “play
politics,” or seek personal gain, these suggestions will only fuel the
mistrust others have of you and cause you to have less credibility with
others. As Einstein said, “All means prove to be but blunt instruments
if they lack a living spirit.” Your use of nonverbal cues needs to be
correct, and match the words you are actually saying in a genuine,
authentic manner. Improving your nonverbal communication can help
you become a better communicator, and better at effectively dealing
with and leading others.
Awareness of nonverbal communication may be a key factor in improving
your communication skills and ultimately, in becoming a better manager
and leader.
You may believe what you are saying is clear, but is it? A major
business challenge, communicating effectively is crucial for managers
and leaders. Though the actual “words” you say constitute a small part
of the communication process, nonverbal communication represents
65 to 93 per cent of the meaning1,2 and most people attend more to
nonverbal cues than words3.
You may scoff at that fact. But, your voice tone, gestures, posture, eye
contact, facial expression, and other nonverbal cues all communicate
what words may not be able to. Or, even worse, nonverbal cues may
communicate something totally different than the actual words you
are saying, thereby lessening your integrity and authority, and your coworkers’
confidence, faith, and trust in you as a manager and leader.
This is even more critical given the fact that effective communication
is the foundation for several leadership competencies, like building
relationships, conflict management, and developing others.
Awareness of nonverbal communication may be a key factor in
improving your communication skills and ultimately, in becoming a
better manager and leader.
Two managers may say the exact same phrase to a troubled subordinate:
“If you want, you can come to my office so we can discuss your
concerns.” One manager says these words in a terse, bothersome
manner, while the back is turned, walking away. The other manager
says those same exact words, softly, standing two to four feet away,
with a concerned look on the face, and looking the staff member
squarely in the eye. Which person do you think would want to see
their manager? Though extreme, this interaction is not out of the
ordinary. There are six “channels” of nonverbal communication.4,5
Attention to these will help you become a better communicator, which
will lead to better interactions in dealing with, and leading others.
Rhythm and Use of Time – A fast pace expresses urgency or
impatience, a slow pace confusion or lack of knowledge. Being
constantly late to meetings gives the impression that you do not
care for the attendees, their time, and work.
Interpersonal Distance (Space) and Touch – Standing close to
someone conveys liking and caring, farther away, caution and
distrust. Touch, especially in the workplace, carries extreme
meanings, and should be used cautiously.
Objectics – Clothes, hair, jewelry and fragrance may not only tell
others if you are “up to date” with fashion, but also if you are
organized, neat, efficient, and confident (unwrinkled shirt, pressed
pants, styled hair, etc.).
Gestures and Postures – Slouched posture and hands in pockets
convey boredom; standing erect, using your hands during
conversation conveys confidence and interest.
Facial Expression – An unclear smile, frown, or look of anger –
using them at inappropriate times, or not at all – can spell disaster
in communicating with others.
Paralanguage – Voice tone, pitch, volume, the “uhs” and “ums” of
your speech all convey something other than the actual words.
This advice comes with a warning label, however. If you approach
people in a genuine, authentic manner, utilizing nonverbal behaviors
will be of great value to you. If, however, your motivation is to “play
politics,” or seek personal gain, these suggestions will only fuel the
mistrust others have of you and cause you to have less credibility with
others. As Einstein said, “All means prove to be but blunt instruments
if they lack a living spirit.” Your use of nonverbal cues needs to be
correct, and match the words you are actually saying in a genuine,
authentic manner. Improving your nonverbal communication can help
you become a better communicator, and better at effectively dealing
with and leading others.
Awareness of nonverbal communication may be a key factor in improving
your communication skills and ultimately, in becoming a better manager
and leader.