4 Body Language Lessons For Office Leaders

by Kelly Eggers

Many of our physical behaviors are unrehearsed and often go unnoticed. The slightest nuance, however, has the potential to change the entire tone of a conversation - especially if you're in a leadership position.

"The default mechanism for the brain is negative, so if a gesture can be interpreted either positive or negative, we're almost always going to take the negative side," says Carol Goman, an executive coach. Because of this, it's important for leaders to recognize the power of a small gesture.

Goman, a senior advisor for The Dilenschneider Group, a New York-based communications consultant, has delivered keynote addresses at events hosted by The Conference Board and the International Association of Business Communicators. In her new book, The Silent Language of Leaders , she discusses what managers need to know about body language to lead effectively. The book is published in April by Jossey-Bass, an imprint of Wiley.

Here are a few lessons that Goman says are key takeaways for leaders looking to better manage their mannerisms.

Read more »