16 Body Language Mistakes to Avoid at the Workplace
Body language matters a lot at work place. Wrong body language can leave a bad impression on your boss, your colleagues and everyone else. It can even make your boss fire you for wrong reasons. Here are some body language mistakes you must avoid at your workplace.
1. Slouching
A lot of women feel too tired or sad at work because of several reasons. You might be having low energy levels on a working day but despite of that, you should not slouch. Slouching actually depicts that you don’t care much about your work or yourself. It can also indicate that you are either disinterested in work or you are not taking your boss’s instructions seriously. So, stand tall at work and portray a more poised you. This will raise your self-esteem as well.
2. Not paying attention when someone is speaking to you
This is one of the major mistakes people commit at work. Cell phones and laptops act as distractions for women at work. These gadgets can make you look disinterested in things your boss or anyone else is saying. So, look into the eyes of your boss when he/she is speaking to you. Show that you are listening with interest. Lean a little forward in your chair and give nods. Don’t nod unnecessarily because this could show your anxiousness or low confidence.
3. The wrong type of eye contact
You must maintain the right eye contact while speaking to anyone at work. Don’t shift your eyes while talking because this will make people feel that you are a less involved person. Never give a constant lingering gaze to anyone because it can throw a person off his feet. It is ideal to make eye contact for three to five seconds, to look away and then look at the person again.
4. Keeping physical barriers between you and the person you are speaking to
It is best to remove all the interruptions between you and others while you are talking to them. Obstacles like a computer, a chair or a table can be bad for your conversation. These obstacles can make people feel that you are too under-confident or too defensive to remove the physical barriers for the conversation. Obstacles can limit your chances of creating a positive impression on people through words and body language.
5. Playing with an object constantly
Playing constantly with an object can make people feel that you can’t sit still and focus on anything. This can show that you are indifferent and disrespectful. Don’t clench your fists or drum your fingers while sitting in a meeting or at any time. Fidgeting with an object or playing with the cuticles can make you ruin your image at work.
6. Sitting or standing with crossed arms
Crossed arms can show that you are defensive or uninterested. So, never sit with your arms crossed while your boss briefs you or while you talk to someone. Clasp your hands in front of your body and rest the hands on the chair’s arms.
7. Not wearing a smile
It is definitely important to wear proper clothes to work. But, you should never forget to wear a smile at work. A genuine smile can actually wipe away a lot of your flaws. It can also make you look and feel positive.
8. Acting girlish
This is one of the biggest mistakes made by a lot of women. Girlish behavior consists of twirling your hair, playing with your jewelry, biting your nails, hugging your own body, hugging your colleagues too much and fidgeting with your clothes. It is really not attractive to giggle too much at work. It can irritate some seniors. Girlish behavior can make your seniors feel that you are too casual in the office.
