Navigating the Power Play of Nonverbal Signals in the Workplace

From the subtle raise of an eyebrow to the confident stance of a leader, body language and facial expression convey a message to the members of an organization. The human brain deserves all the credit for this remarkable feat, being an astonishing interpreter of nonverbal cues, continually processing an array of subtle signals to decipher meaning and intent. Scientifically, our interpretation of nonverbal signals, such as the aforementioned eyebrow raise or the power stance, can be attributed to a combination of evolutionary instincts and learned behaviours.

So, what importance does this carry? 

Psychological research has revealed that positive nonverbal signals from leaders trigger the activation of reward centres in the brain, resulting in heightened levels of dopamine and feelings of pleasure and contentment. Conversely, negative body language, such as closed-off postures or dismissive gestures, can elicit emotions of anxiety, demotivation, and perceived threats among subordinates. It stands to reason, then, that it is imperative for organisational leaders to conscientiously monitor their body language, should they be concerned with enhancing greater productivity within the workplace.

Consider this: Have you ever delivered your finest work while feeling stressed and uncertain about how your boss might respond to it? Some might argue yes, but as a general rule – humans are more likely to thrive in environments where they feel psychologically safe. Nonverbal cues may often be overlooked in discussions about creating a sense of psychological safety, yet their influence is profound. Think about it, have you ever experienced a sense of unease around someone without any obvious cause? Or perhaps felt joyful in a room full of people where no one is actively engaging with you? These phenomena are deeply rooted in the power of body language and facial expressions.

Now, one might consider the interpretation of nonverbals to be mere child’s play, it’s innate within us, right? Well, despite us humans having an innate aspect to interpreting nonverbals, fully understanding facial expressions sometimes requires a deeper exploration of their complexities. This intricacy stems from the existence of two distinct types of facial expressions: micro and macro. Both these expressions play a crucial role in conveying emotions and intentions. Microexpressions are fleeting, involuntary facial expressions that occur within a fraction of a second, often revealing true feelings before individuals can consciously control them. Whereas macro expressions are more prolonged and deliberate facial displays that convey emotions over an extended period, shaping social interactions and influencing perceptions.

Hold up! –Before you go lambasting your boss for their initial reaction to your proposal, it’s absolutely crucial to remember that a micro expression can indicate a range of emotions, depending on the context and other facial cues accompanying it. For instance, in isolation, the curl upwards of one side of the mouth may signify contempt or disdain. However, when paired with narrowed eyes, a one-sided lip curl could convey scepticism or disbelief rather than just contempt. So should one encounter this reaction with a colleague, it may simply imply a degree of skepticism about the feasibility of an action or claim, rather than just contempt towards the person making the statement.

Similarly, a tightened mouth, where the lips are pressed firmly together, can indicate various emotions depending on the context and accompanying facial expressions. In some cases, tightly lined lips might suggest anger or frustration, as the individual suppresses the urge to speak or express their emotions verbally. Alternatively, tight-lined lips could indicate determination or resolve, as the person is mentally preparing for a challenge or resisting external pressures. When paired with furrowed brows, tight-lined lips may convey a sense of concern or apprehension rather than just anger or frustration. This combination suggests a deeper emotional response to a situation, indicating worry or anxiety about something being discussed or observed. For example, if someone receives unexpected news and reacts with tight-lined lips and furrowed brows, it may indicate that they are not just angry but also deeply troubled or unsettled by the information.

So, what’s the main insight here? That humans are incredibly intricate beings, and we need to carry around a pen and paper at all times in order to decode how they are truly feeling? Perhaps a more actionable takeaway would be to call for greater mindfulness in both displaying and interpreting such cues. To be cognisant of the fact that nonverbal communication holds significant validity in every aspect of life, particularly in the workplace, and deserves to be regarded as such.

Now, while micro expressions are largely involuntary and require mindfulness when interpreting, we wield considerable control over our macro expressions and body language. It’s important to consciously choose how we present ourselves in this regard. From exhibiting open and welcoming body language, such as maintaining eye contact, using open gestures, and adopting relaxed postures, to offering genuine warm smiles and attentive facial cues, we can collectively contribute to creating a safe and supportive workplace environment.

So, how exactly can one learn how to approach this?

Jane Hanson, Emmy award-winning television journalist and coach, who has spent over 30 years helping top executives learn how to communicate better, has put together a series of actionable strategies specifically for this reason. In her soon-to-be-launched course with genconnectU, Jane tackles the nuances of approaching nonverbal communication in both traditional and digital realms and how you can own the physical or metaphoric room. By enrolling now, in “Mastering Non-Verbal Communications with Confidence”, you will be taking the first steps toward creating a more psychologically secure workplace, ultimately resulting in greater workflow productivity.