Scott Vivian - Workplace Conflict Resolution Essentials For Dummies

Another important element in an individual’s communication arsenal is body language. Body language goes beyond obvious gestures (like showing someone your appreciation when he cuts you off in traffic!) and encompasses everything people do physically while they’re in a conversation.

Body language that’s open and encouraging includes

Facing the person who’s speaking

Making good eye contact

Nodding occasionally

Having arms in an open position rather than crossed in front of the chest

Body language can also be closed and discourage communication. The following will shut down the conversation and probably earn you a reputation for being rude:

Not looking at the person speaking

Rolling your eyes

Having an expressionless face, frowning or squinting to indicate the speaker isn’t making any sense

Staring off into space

Turning your back to the speaker

Pay attention to your group and make note of body language during tense or heated conversations. Do the same when things are going well and note the difference.

Be aware of the nonverbal cues you’re giving off in the workplace, and be aware of the nonverbal cues you’re getting from everyone else. Clenched fists, tightness in the shoulders and increased breathing can all indicate stress, whereas a relaxed posture, leaning back in the chair and a smile can mean happiness and contentment. What do these gestures say about the work environment, your team and yourself? When you know what to look for, you can tell a lot about someone’s day before she even says a word.

Use body language as a clue to discern what may be going on, but don’t use it exclusively. If a co-worker walks into the office one day, doesn’t say hello and immediately sits down at her desk, maybe she’s mad at you – or maybe she has a very busy day ahead and wants to stay focused. Making some assumptions about body language is fine, but check out those assumptions before acting or reacting badly. For more information on assumptions, see Chapter 3 Конец ознакомительного фрагмента. Текст предоставлен ООО «ЛитРес». Прочитайте эту книгу целиком, купив полную легальную версию на ЛитРес. Безопасно оплатить книгу можно банковской картой Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, со счета мобильного телефона, с платежного терминала, в салоне МТС или Связной, через PayPal, WebMoney, Яндекс.Деньги, QIWI Кошелек, бонусными картами или другим удобным Вам способом.

Текст предоставлен ООО «ЛитРес».

Прочитайте эту книгу целиком, купив полную легальную версию на ЛитРес.

Безопасно оплатить книгу можно банковской картой Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, со счета мобильного телефона, с платежного терминала, в салоне МТС или Связной, через PayPal, WebMoney, Яндекс.Деньги, QIWI Кошелек, бонусными картами или другим удобным Вам способом.