This Body Language Makes You Look Like a Leader

2 minute read
Ideas
Barker is the author of Barking Up The Wrong Tree

It’s important to balance the appearance of power and warmth.

Via The Silent Language of Leaders: How Body Language Can Help–or Hurt–How You Lead:

When first introduced to a leader, we immediately and unconsciously assess him or her for warmth and authority. Obviously the most appealing leaders are seen to encompass both qualities, and the least effective leaders are those we regard as cold and inept. But as Harvard Business School professor Teresa Amabile described in an aptly titled article, “Brilliant but Cruel,” the problem is that we often see competence and warmth as being negatively related—warm leaders don’t appear as intelligent or skilled as those who are more negative and meaner, and tough leaders are judged far less likeable.

So the best leadership strategy is to embody both sets of traits—and to do so early and often. Let people see both sides of your leadership character. Let them know right from the beginning that you are caring and credible.

What shows authority and power?

Via The Silent Language of Leaders: How Body Language Can Help–or Hurt–How You Lead:

As a leader, you show authority and power by your erect posture, command of physical space, purposeful stride (like that of Apple’s CEO Steve Jobs as he moves across the stage during a presentation), and firm handshake, and through an array of hand signals including “steepling” and palm-down gestures that send nonverbal signals of authority.

And what communicates warmth?

Via The Silent Language of Leaders: How Body Language Can Help–or Hurt–How You Lead:

As a leader, you communicate warmth nonverbally with open body postures, palm-up hand gestures, a full-frontal body orientation, positive eye contact, synchronized movements, head nods, head tilts, and smiles.

This post originally appeared on Barking Up the Wrong Tree. Join over 145,000 readers and get a free weekly email update here.

Related posts:

  • How To Stop Being Lazy And Get More Done – 5 Expert Tips
  • What 10 things should you do every day to improve your life?
  • How To Make Your Life Better By Sending Five Simple Emails
  • READ NEXT How to Be a Great Leader — 5 Insights From Research

    Listen to the most important stories of the day.

    More Must-Reads From TIME

    Contact us at letters@time.com

    TIME Ideas hosts the world's leading voices, providing commentary on events in news, society, and culture. We welcome outside contributions. Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of TIME editors.