Why Leaders Turn Handshakes Into Wrestling Matches
Melinda Marcus, M.A., CSP
Shows leaders how to read Body Language and Influence Decisions? Speaks and Consults on how to win new clients, career opportunities and support of stakeholders ? Author of "Read The Zoom"
You’ve probably heard the expression “getting the upper hand.” Well, handshakes between leaders literally show this when both sides try to gain the top position. Why do they care? Because of the optics. In the photos, which are seen all around the world, the leader with the hand on top looks like they have the most power.
We saw a not-so-subtle illustration of this at the Monday meeting between France’s President Macron and US President Trump. Based on his statements, Macron was hoping to gain some alignment with Trump on how the US and Europe could work together to address the Ukraine War.
I do NOT want to get into the politics of this situation, but I do want to talk about nonverbal factors between the two leaders. These photos are in sequence. What was supposed to look like a friendly greeting had a lot of the same qualities of a wrestling match.
Here’s the play-by-play:
Trump puts one hand on top of Macron’s shoulder.
Macron counters with a hand to Trump’s upper arm.
Next, Trump gets the jump on Macron by literally taking the upper hand in the handshake.
Macron counters by putting his other hand on top of Trump’s hand.
Then, they are asked to turn to the cameras and Maron’s hand can no long stay on top.
As you can see by his expression, he is not happy with the result.
Have you ever seen this type of dominance display take place when corporate leaders meet? Are there situations where you felt like someone was trying to show dominance when shaking hands with you? How did that impact your feelings about them?
A creative professional, planner, strategist, implementer in establishing & managing entire organization in large corporate sector and startups. Also devoted to the welfare of children- physical & emotional, - worldwide.
2 天前This is great information for me.
Independent Director-Public and Private Company Experience
1 周Great stuff Melinda!
Business Motivational Speaker | Resilience, Productivity, and Goal-Setting
2 周This article about a hand bruise suggests it's from this exchange or one like it. https://www.yahoo.com/news/heres-white-house-said-huge-191403754.html
VIRTUAL Keynote Speaker on How To Work a Room? and more
2 周The covered handshake can be one in dominance game. It can also be one of warmth and affection. In this case it’s a pure power “grab”.
Author, Educator, Speaker, Executive Coach : Giving Voice to the Vision, Courage & Confidence of Women
2 周Melinda Marcus, M.A., CSP I love your observation of this physical power struggle and appreciate ??Linda Swindling's comments too. I have yet to see women use these kind of tactics. However, women often communicate their 'position' in their facial expression and body language when they meet with someone. This is often unconscious and sending the wrong message in this way can get in their way of building relationships that may be important to their careers.