Lead Artfully

Category: Leadership

Leadership topics and resources

  • How to read body language

    How to read body language

    Non-verbal communication

    When it comes to our working lives, being able to communicate effectively and understand others is key.   But did you know that study’s show that up to 65% of communication is nonverbal?  What we say is only a small part of how we communicate.  Therefore, understanding nonverbal cues, and how to read body language in the workplace is crucial. 

    What is Body Language and How Does it Work?

    Body language is how we communicate with another non-verbally, meaning without words.  It is reading subtle and non-subtle gestures and movements that we often make unconsciously.   These include your hands, your facial expressions, or your posture.  There are 7 types of body language that you will want to learn and pay attention to when interacting with other people.  Although, there are many types of nonverbal cues, these are typically the most important and easiest to read.

    Facial expression:

    This is the one that is most important, but also something we inherently understand from a young age.  The face will express happiness, anger, sadness, confusion, doubt, agreement, and fear.  Common facial expressions are universal, regardless of race or culture.  But the look on someone’s face can help you decide whether you trust them or not.  They can also show if someone is trusting what you are saying, or even taking it in at all.  The arching of an eye brow, a frown, or a smirk, are all telling signs. 

    The eyes:

    They say the eyes are the gateway to the soul, for good reason.  The eyes reveal a great deal about how someone is feeling.  When you are communicating with someone, and they are looking right at you, it shows that they are interested in what you have to say and that they are paying attention.  Blinking of the eyes is natural and something that we do subconsciously.  You may want to pay attention to how many times someone you are interacting with blinks.  Blinking can be an indication of that they are anxious or stressed about something.  Also, the pupil size of the eye can indicate how a person is feeling. 

    Eye contact is an important type of nonverbal cue because the way someone looks at you can tell you different things.  Also, if they smile at you, the eyes can tell you if it is genuine.  Does the smile create creases around the eyes? If not, then they may be just being polite.  Are their eyes slightly red or moist? They may be upset but trying to hide it.

    The mouth:

    If someone is biting or pressing their lips can indicate that the individual may be feeling worried, fearful, or insecure.  An open mouth may show surprise or fear.  A curled or lop-sided mouth may show contempt.  Covering of the mouth while talking can be a sign that person is trying to hide something.

    Gestures:

    Waving, pointing, and using fingers in gestures are not the same in all cultures. However, if someone is clenching or flexing their fists this is typically a sign of anger or stress.  Additionally, if someone is saying they agree with you, but shaking their head, then this could be a cue for you are being disingenuous. 

    Physical space:

    Space is important to all of us. You will want to pay attention to how far or close someone is to you.  Leaning in while speaking softly is a sign they want to share a confidence with you.  But leaning in aggressively is a dominant act and can be an attempt to force a point of view. 

    Another act of dominance can be taking up more space in the room than others.  These include feet on the table, arms behind the back of the head, leaning back on a chair.  All designed to take up more space and subconsciously make others in the room feel inferior.  When standing, this could mean someone stands with their feet wide, while having hands on the hips.  Likewise, someone who sits in the back of the room and tries not to take up space is the exact opposite.  They want to go unnoticed and this could be due to lack of confidence, or insecurity of the situation.

    The arms & legs:

    The crossing the arms can indicate that someone is on the defensive.  This may also mean they are uncomfortable or feel under pressure.  If someone crosses their legs away from you, it may indicate that they dislike or are not comfortable around you.  

    Posture:

    Your posture speaks volumes and is closely related to how someone takes up physical space.  Posture can tell how someone feels and give insights into an individual’s personality.  It provides external cues if someone is insecure or confident, or if they are open to the current discussion.  For example, if someone has arms spread, shoulders square, straight back, and head up, then they have an open posture.  They are engaged with the situation or other person. 

    Likewise, if they have their arms or legs crossed, hunched or shoulders and head down, then they are closed.  This means they are feeling uncomfortable, defensive, disheartened, or uninterested in what is being said.

    How to read body language quickly

    Body language in during an interaction can change, depending on how well or badly things go.  So you need to pay attention.  The main parts of the body you should pay attention to, to identify nonverbal cues are:

    > Look at the face and see if the eyes match the facial expression

    > Pay attention to how much space is between you, and how much physical space they are taking up.

    > Monitor physical posture, including if their arms and legs are crossed, to see if they are open or closed to you.

    > Does what is being said, verbally, match their non-verbal cues?

    > Be mindful of your own non-verbal cues, not just those around you.

     

    Final thoughts

    Remember that most of our body language comes from what we do not say.  It is in our gestures, the look on our face, how near or far we are from someone.  How open or closed we are to certain people and certain topics show in our posture.  Likewise, we do these things unconsciously.  Learning how to read body language is important for success when it comes to dealing with people in your everyday life.  Reading body language is a skill that can be acquired through practice, reflection, and observation.  Knowing how to read body language will help you communicate effectively with other people and will help you know just where you stand with them.  Being mindful of our own automatic reactions to situations, as well as those reactions in others is equally important.  This is because it also enables you to change the way you interact with dominant people, and less confident people, and understand better what motivates them.

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  • Why won’t my staff use their initiative?

    Why won’t my staff use their initiative?

    Do you constantly find yourself asking why won’t my staff use their initiative? Are you struggling with how to handle employees when staff don’t think in their feet?

    It’s every employer’s dream to hire proactive and engaged employees who can complete new tasks without excessive hand holding.   The term ‘initiative’ refers to a combination of resourcefulness, resilience and determination.   People who use their initiative ask questions, do things without being told, take on challenges and most importantly, act instead of reacting.

    You can’t pivot if you don’t improvise

    Organisations today value employees who can think on their feet, overcome difficulties and think of new ways to do things.  Businesses and work cultures all over the world are undergoing a paradigm shift, in the aftermath of the COVID-19, and the ability to take initiative is rapidly becoming a sought-after attribute.

    Lack of initiative is usually a red flag that could indicate a disengaged workforce where you may risk losing skilled, productive employees.  Showing initiative is not a one-day effort; it’s an ongoing process that is reinforced with consistent encouragement and motivation.

    So why won’t my staff use their initiative?

    The most common reasons for lack of initiative include:

    • Struggling with an excessive workload; you don’t want to take on extra work.

    • Feeling that you are not qualified or experienced enough to take on the task.

    • Experiencing fear or apprehension with the prospect of failure; the organisation encourages a ‘blame culture’ where employees often have to face flak for trying something new.

    • Your employees don’t see any advantage in showing initiative; there is no reward or reinforcement system in place.

    • Your employees feel uncomfortable and don’t feel a sense of belonging; they’re hesitant to voice their ideas due to fear of criticism or stress at work.

     

    How initiative affects the workplace

    At work, staff initiative is crucial as it shows you that your employees are willing to go the extra mile to drive results or resolve problems.

    An inability to improve can be seen in the unwillingness to exercise judgement when something a unexpected occurs.   You may also notice an unwillingness to invest effort or hard work; some who lack initiative will find a way to get out of any hard work that is required.

    Sadly, staff who lack initiative pass up valuable opportunities, reduce productivity and may disrupt the performance of others.   Such staff not only procrastinate on tasks but may also give you excuses on why they can’t do something even before they’ve started.

    “but we’ve always done it this way…”

    If your team lacks initiative, there is a high chance the organisation is tied to old ways of doing things.   The business will be unable to move with the times, and symptoms will appear such as increasing customer complaints, inflexibility, and conflict with internal teams.   The organisation is likely to lose out on new opportunities and growth.

    You might be surprised to learn that you could be reinforcing the problem, as the manager or employer within the company.  Your staff may be interested in taking the initiative but may be held back for various reasons, all of which can be resolved.

    How to work with employees who aren’t taking the initiative

    Of course we are not suggesting employers merely push employees to take fool-hardy risks. Leaders need to encourage staff to be forward-thinking, innovative and confident.

    How you deal with an team member lacking initiative depends entirely on the cause.  The following strategies describe what you, as leader, can do to resolve the issue:

    Step 1: Meet

    Meet the employee one-on-one for an honest, up front discussion.  While lack of initiative can be traced to fear of consequences, at times, it could be due to inability or even laziness.

    Step 2: Offer solutions

    Offer solutions based on the cause.  For example, if the employee fears reprimand from the management, assure them of your support.  Similarly, if the employee lacks the requisite skills, consider providing training.

    Step 3: Observe & respond

    If you discover that the root cause for lack of initiative is laziness or poor work attitude, you will need to take performance management steps as soon as possible.  If you ignore poor performance, it spreads to other members of your team.  But first talk to the individual and identify the problem showing clear examples, and give them an opportunity to address it.  If they don’t address it, then follow formal performance management processes carefully!  Employment laws differ in each country, but most jurisdictions have set rules of engagement in this area that you will need to follow.  But it needs to be done, don’t put it off.

    Step 4: Reward initiative

    Reward those employees that do use their initiative.  Often a genuine thank you in front of their peers (or a team email shout out) is a great way to encourage the behaviour,  and make special mentions in performance appraisals.  Also consider a gift, bonus in their pay, or a full or half day off.  Gifts don’t need to be big or expensive, a thoughtful gesture goes a long way.

    Step 5: Forgive mistakes

    If the employee has made an error and you need to give feedback, use empowering words and inform them that you appreciate their effort despite the error.  Find the positives!  Remember, mistakes are portals to discovery.

    Step 6: Empower

    Empower your staff members to make decisions.  Lengthy office protocols and red tape may prevent employees from using their initiative.  Let them know upfront what types of decisions you’re happy for them to make, and let them make them.

    Note sure how to delegate new work effectively?  Check out our article on when you should delegate.

    Step 7: Stay engaged

    Stay engaged with your employees by staying involved with what’s going on.  This can be challenging when working remotely, so have daily catch-ups.  Doing this will prevent even lazy employees from wasting time and adopting a poor attitude, or at least give you evidence of such behaviours through observation.

    And most importantly…

    Lead!  Recognise that mistakes are learning experiences and refrain from criticising your team in public or using inappropriate language to upbraid them.  Create a supportive, encouraging culture in the workplace that motivates your staff to step out of their comfort zones and use their initiative willingly.  If you find yourself asking “why won’t my staff use their initiative” – you will need to so something about it!

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