Use body language to hear your team and avoid the wrecks

Scott Rouse is a regular guest on Dr. Phil and author of Understanding Body Language: How to Decode Nonverbal Communication in Life, Love, and Work. Rouse trains the military, law enforcement, investors, and leaders how to read body language and communicate more effectively. He recently joined me on the Nice Podcast to share his expertise with you.

Avoid the wrecks with honesty 

One of the most important things you can do when you don’t know an answer is to be honest and say, “I don’t know, let me check on this for you.” Otherwise, you could come across as if you are lying. 

Rouse finds one of the biggest problems in workplace communication is when someone says they understand something and they don’t. If you sense this, ask them if they are sure they understand and that it’s okay if they don’t and you’re happy to explain further. 

Avoid the wrecks caused by lack of clarity

In your follow up ask them do they know what the X, Y, Z is? They usually answer right away and speak a little lower if they don’t know the answer. Be forgiving if they confess to not understanding. Consider the cost of time and money if they proceed without understanding. 

Use body language hacks to hear your team and see if they are listening

When interviewing team members ask, “Is there anything you haven’t told me I need to know?” Use silence and pauses to see if they add qualifiers to their answers by talking more after answering.  

Consider whether the person does not break eye contact. This could be a sign that they are thinking to keep staring so they come across like they are being honest. They could be lying.

If you want your team member to listen to you while you’re speaking to them look like you’re listening. Tilting your ear toward them while you’re speaking will also make them feel more comfortable and help signal they should listen. 

You may want to playfully ask, “Do you know what I mean?” and “What did I say?”

Avoid the wrecks when dealing with investors 

If you’re a leader of a fast-growing technology company seeking investment don’t just ask for the investment in your firm ask for help too.

If you have a group of angel investors and you persuade them to invest in you, you’ll likely be berated with endless questions and recommendations from them. If you get the group to want to invest and want to help you they will check in less frequently and genuinely offer you assistance. 

When communicating with important stakeholders like investors and owners use a pad of paper and pen to take notes as they speak to you. This makes them focus on you and you earn their trust. 

Body language knowledge will avoid the wrecks 

Your body language should be open to make your team members feel more comfortable. Avoid crossing your arms, sit closer to the person by shifting your body forward in the chair, point your feet towards the person you’re speaking to. 

Rouse reminds us that there are no absolutes in body language, but combining different signs and asking follow-up questions can help lead you to the truth and will help you hear your team and avoid the wrecks.