Never Have I Ever...
Put a finger down if you’ve ever done ANY of the following:
- Phubbed (ignored someone in order to pay attention to your phone or device)
- Multitasked while on a Zoom call (like looking at another screen and your phone!)
- Overhead gazed (looking over someone’s head instead of at their eyes which is code for “I’m looking for someone else”)
- Not acknowledged an email or text (leaving the sender wondering if you received the message)
- Sent an email with no subject line and included just the link, article, or task that you were asked to submit (no words or context feels rude)
How many fingers are still up?
It’s cool, I mean, we know social interactions can be tricky.
We’re human and most of us weren’t taught these things in school (or at home!)
And if you grew up using technology (Ahem, some of us are more “mature” in age and didn’t grow up with mobile phones or computers during our childhood and teenage years!) you’ve had even less opportunity to learn about social interactions “out in the wild.”
If you’re like many people, maybe navigating people and social dynamics are so far out of your comfort zone you need Google Maps.
#HardTruth
As leaders and professionals, our ability to connect, relate, and form positive relationships with others are skills we must master to be successful both personally and professionally.
In my neverending quest to not fully embarrass myself, I became enchanted with the world of nonverbal communication.
Studying it allowed me to show up in an intentional way. And the real bonus was that there were practical tips and strategies to immediately begin implementing.
Tips like:
- Look at a person’s feet to see what they are interested in (the exit, restroom, person, food, etc.)
- Determine if you can enter a conversation (especially at networking events) by seeing if others’ feet are angled outward indicating openness to others joining.
- Fully face someone (aka Fronting) by aiming your top (head), torso, and toes towards someone. Doing this shows nonverbal respect and is felt by others.
It's the little things.
Having insight into social dynamics can make the whole people skill thing a lot easier. Because no one likes to embarrass themself or feel like they weren’t given the playbook. Am I right?!
Your co-pilot (who continues to try to avoid looking like a dweeb!),
P.S.
Any questions or comments about trying to look cool?
Send your inquiries my way. Simply respond to this email and I’ll reply back “faster than a speeding bullet”!