What non-verbal communication cues can you use to create a positive work environment?

1 Why are non-verbal cues important?

Non-verbal cues are important because they convey your emotions, attitudes, and intentions more than your words. They can also influence how your team perceives you, responds to you, and follows your directions. For example, if you smile, nod, and maintain eye contact while giving feedback, you can show that you are supportive, respectful, and engaged. On the other hand, if you frown, cross your arms, and avoid eye contact, you can signal that you are angry, defensive, and disinterested. Therefore, being aware of your non-verbal cues and how they affect your team can help you communicate more effectively and avoid misunderstandings.

2 How to use positive non-verbal cues

Positive non-verbal cues can help you create a positive work environment, enhancing your rapport, trust, and collaboration with your team. Smiling when you greet your team, praise their work, or share a joke can show that you are friendly, approachable, and happy. Nodding when you hear your team's ideas, opinions, or concerns can show that you are listening and agreeing. Making eye contact when you speak or listen to your team can show that you are attentive and respectful. Using gestures when you explain, demonstrate, or ask questions can show that you are expressive and enthusiastic. And using a tone of voice that matches your words and the situation can show that you are calm and clear. However, it is important to avoid overdoing any of these positive non-verbal cues, as they can seem insincere, impatient, dismissive, rude, distracted, aggressive, annoying or confusing.

3 How to avoid negative non-verbal cues

Negative non-verbal cues can be damaging for your work environment, creating tension, mistrust, and conflict with your team. To avoid these, it is important to be aware of the different cues and how to manage them. For example, frowning can show unhappiness or anger and can discourage your team. To prevent this, try to relax your face and take deep breaths. Crossing your arms can show defensiveness or uninterest and create a barrier between you and your team. Instead, keep your arms open and relaxed. Rolling your eyes can demonstrate boredom or disrespect and undermine confidence. Avoid this by maintaining eye contact and nodding politely. Shaking your head can indicate disagreement or dismissal, discouraging the team from sharing their thoughts or suggestions. Acknowledge and appreciate their input instead. Sighing can show impatience or dissatisfaction, making the team feel pressured or unappreciated. Avoid sighing by using positive words and tone of voice.

4 How to read your team's non-verbal cues

Reading your team's non-verbal cues can help you understand their emotions, attitudes, and needs better. It can also help you adjust your communication style, respond appropriately, and address any issues or challenges. To do this, observe your team's body language, facial expressions, eye contact, gestures, and tone of voice to see if there are any changes or inconsistencies. Listen to their words and how they say them to detect any pauses, hesitations, or repetitions in their speech. Ask open-ended questions and follow-up questions to clarify their non-verbal cues. Finally, confirm your understanding of their messages by summarizing, paraphrasing, or reflecting them. By doing these things, you will be able to better understand your team's non-verbal cues and respond accordingly.

5 How to improve your non-verbal communication skills

Improving your non-verbal communication skills can help you become an effective supervisor and create a positive work environment. To do this, it’s important to practice using positive non-verbal cues and avoiding negative ones in different situations. Additionally, seek feedback from your team, peers, or mentors on your non-verbal communication skills and listen to their advice. Lastly, learn from supervisors, leaders, or experts who have good non-verbal communication skills by observing how they use their cues and what strategies they use to read and respond to non-verbal cues. By doing this, you can emulate their best practices and avoid their mistakes.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?