The requirements for today's leaders are diverse. Leaders are called into a company and they have to deliver a performance, to meet expectations. They must live up to the company's expectations. The higher a person's position is, the greater their composure should be, and the more professionally leaders must fulfill their required role. However, I often hear from leaders: "I don't bend! I am who I am. I am authentic." Because no one wants to be suspected of staging. But is that really the recipe for success? As Helmuth Plessner said in essence, "Nothing is more artificial than humans." In many situations, leaders should not be authentic, but appear authentic. However, authenticity always requires an observer. Employees, customers, partners, and superiors must say "He seems real", "He seems credible", "He seems authentic". If you achieve this, you have succeeded. Your counterpart unconsciously always asks two questions: 1. "Does he seem authentic?", and 2. "Is he speaking to me?" It depends on these two questions whether you achieve your goal, convince people, and win them over. What can you do in terms of body language? Let's look at some points:
Nonverbal Connection
As a person of higher status, you have the task of establishing the greatest possible harmony with the employee. A nonverbal connection is a prerequisite for successful communication. But be careful! It is important to adapt empathetically and respectfully to the body language of another person. Try to achieve a synchronous movement rhythm. Adapt to the rhythm of your conversation partner. If they tend to take larger steps, take larger steps as well. If they use subtle gestures, don't overwhelm them with expansive hand movements. To establish a good rapport in conversation, try what is called delayed mirroring: perform the mirrored gesture one beat later, preferably when you start speaking. Mirror selectively and only make gestures that match your personality. And never mirror everything - that is called mocking. Is your counterpart nervous or stressed? Then you should not mirror them, but consciously speak more calmly and slowly, use deliberate gestures, and take control. Nonverbal connection is power. Without connection, you will achieve nothing. Remember: people like people who are how they want to be!
Presentation
Many presentations by leaders are a "daily drama" for colleagues and employees. Many still live by the motto "won the slide battle, listeners fell asleep". Nothing is more sleep-inducing than a leader who barricades themselves behind a lectern or clings to notes. Your hands are there to emphasize what you say. Words are twelve times more powerful when accompanied by gestures! If you want to use your gestures effectively, practice, practice, and practice again.
Inspiring Effect
Leaders have the task not only to inform but also to inspire employees. Leaders must capture their team with full emotional commitment. Without enthusiasm, a leader will lose in the long run. It is a misconception that only the "matter" is in the foreground. Your employees should not know you as a fact digger, but as a person who can laugh, be outraged, or be moved. This requires emotional body language. What you say must come from your heart. This is what makes successful and charismatic people.
Self-reflection and Practice
Your inner self must match your outer self, thoughts and body language must be in harmony. In other words, the performance as a leader must align with your personality. You must internalize your "role", which requires constant self-reflection and practice. First, ask yourself the following questions: How do you want to appear? What should your behavior achieve? How do you appear now? How do others perceive you? Is there possibly a gap between self-image and external image? What do you need to do to make it congruent? Once you have found the answers, you must implement the insights - mentally and physically. This requires intensive training because no master has fallen from the sky! Working on your impact is like a journey to unknown lands: You will discover new, enriching facets that expand your horizons. Monika Matschnig
