Sign up for free newsletters and get more CNBC delivered to your inbox. Although what we say verbally is important, our nonverbal expression can greatly influence whether our message is communicated effectively. (function() { Make and maintain eye contact to create a feeling of connection. If your body language isn’t authentic, your efforts will backfire. “What you do speaks so loud that I cannot hear what you say.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson. 2. var slotid = "mps-getad-" + adunit.replace(/\W/g, ""); script.setAttribute("src", "//www.npttech.com/advertising.js"); mps.__timer = Date.now ? Something as simple as slouching or crossing your arms can signal to others that you are closed off or somehow reacting negatively to what is being said. We want to hear from you. Follower her work at www.emmaseppala.com. Empathy at work creates psychological safety, which research by Amy Edmondson of Harvard demonstrates is created when managers are inclusive and humble and encourage their staff to speak up or ask for help. mps._ext = mps._ext || {}; Rarely Sometimes Often 1. We simply forget that in most cases our erroneous behavior is due to situational factors. Before you give or receive your next performance review, here are some things you should consider regarding your body language as it relates to effective communication. mps._queue.mpsloaded.push(function(){ return true; 'cag[related_primary]' : 'Career advice|Leadership|Entrepreneurship|The Profit|Make It|The Partner|Guide to Business with Marcus Lemonis' , According to Psychologist World, human communication is 20% verbal and 80% non-verbal. Smile appropriately to project warmth and goodwill. A performance feedback meeting, however, is not the place to multitask. They're not intended to harm us," says Navarro. Fierce Inc. is certified as a women-owned business by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council and the Astra Women’s Business Alliance. }, mpsopts = { A study by researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and at New York University and Princeton revealed that body language is an even more accurate determiner of judging emotion than facial expressions. Feedback, however painful, is truly a gift so treat the “giver” appropriately. 'cag[template]' : 'story_ng_2column' , Please enter your username or email address to reset your password. Practice active listening. Hear the person out, and listen to what they are really... Be aware of your responses. Be mindful of how you are carrying your body when someone is discussing your behavior or performance. "Physically, don't play the … Saying nothing is a “message”—perhaps a powerful one. mpsload.src = "//" + mpsopts.host + "/fetch/ext/load-" + mpscall.site + ".js?nowrite=2"; We often don’t know what is causing unwanted on-the-job behavior like missed deadlines or short tempers. 'hline' : 'The Partner' , '); There is always some kind of feedback. Are they drawn in close to your body and crossed, or are they relaxed and open, using natural hand movements? By definition, your boss or the interviewer is in the position of power. It’s natural to want to make the most of it. Most advice about giving feedback focuses on what to say, but our nonverbal communication is just as important as the words we use. Copyright © 2020 Harvard Business School Publishing. And the people you are talking to can tell. The employee in question could be a sleep-deprived new parent, going through a divorce, or dealing with a  family illness. Maintain eye contact for the majority of the conversation, whether you are speaking or listening. 'byline' : 'Kathryn Dill' , return _regex.test(_qs); Empathy is not just for obvious moments; it’s for all the moments we don’t see as well. Despite all this advice, it’s critical that you be authentic, or your efforts will backfire. "It's to our benefit to hear these things.". What are you noticing? We check email while we take calls, we watch the news while we read the paper–we have competing priorities and a limited amount of time. Got a confidential news tip? Most important, don’t do any of this if you don’t mean it. return false; mps._adsheld = []; It’s also important for creating a feeling of connection. 'title' : '3 body-language tricks for giving employees feedback' , If you convey discomfort or aggression with your body language, it could make the recipient feel unsafe, and therefore prevent them from listening to or acting on your input. Nod to show you’re listening, and respond with affirmations like “mhm” and “yes.” Make sure your posture doesn’t communicate dominance, especially if you outrank the person receiving feedback. Here are the nonverbal cues to which we pay the most attention: Facial expression. var _regex = /([^=&/<>()[].,;:s@"]+(.[^=&/<>()[].,;:s@"]+)*)@(([[0-9]{1,3}.[0-9]{1,3}.[0-9]{1,3}.[0-9]{1,3}])|(([a-zA-Z-0-9]+. That said, here are a few body language cues via lifehacker that may be interpreted as “uninviting,” unproductive, or misleading: • Arms folded across the chest • Crinkled eyebrows that create a scowl • Excessive fidgeting • Slouching • Not making eye contact • Appearing “dominant” in posture. Positive, confident body language is the best and easiest resource available to you to reinforce your words and create a meaningful conversation. mps.__intcode = "v2"; return '' Practice all of the skills of an effective listener including using body … var postLoadFunctions = {}; So do your best to have a positive, open, and supportive tone. // "Tilt your head to the side so that you are passively listening, so you no longer have an agenda.". 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