If you knew what you were doing to hurt your credibility, you’d certainly work to change, wouldn’t you? Often times it is not “what” we are doing but “why” we do it that makes change more compelling. The five ways discussed in an article written by Jenna Goudreau (Business Insider) about the book, Power Cues: The Subtle Science of Leading Groups, Persuading Others, and Maximizing Your Personal Impact, written by Nick Morgan, gives us insights into what we might be hardwired to do without realizing it is hurting our credibility. But what the article or the book doesn’t address is the “why” we do it. That answer isn’t a generic answer that applies to everyone, rather it is specific to each individual and only s/he can answer that question.
Let’s look at the five ways mentioned in the article and book.
1. Being unprepared for meetings. Morgan states that preparing for a meeting has two components: what your message is AND how you plan to communicate that message with your body language. Message + Body Language = Impact!
2. Using a “head posture.” A “head posture” is defined as “when your shoulders are rounded and your head is pushed forward — like when you are working on the computer. The author says this signals subservience, lacking confidence, and feeling unequal in the relationship. Stand up straight and project a grounded presence so others view you as confident and in control.
3. Leaning back in conversations. The author says that one of the ways you signal to your boss or coworkers you are bored, impatient, or generally disinterested is by leaning back rather than into a conversation. What is your body language when you are bored, impatient or disinterested? Catch yourself the next time and check in with how you are physically showing up.
4. Not controlling your voice. Sitting or standing upright, taking deep belly breaths, and letting your voice rise with passion and fall with authority help create what Morgan calls a “leadership voice.” Combine #1, preparation, with practicing how you will say something (using your voice) and you’ll be noticed!
5. Rambling. People who provide too much detail, go off on a tangent, and aren’t clear about what they are saying “squander their influence” says Morgan. Being clear and succinct in your message commands attention. People love a good story teller; they ignore and discount a rambler!
Perhaps you found yourself in one, some or all of these five ways that hurt your credibility but as I said earlier, this describes “what” you do. This week if you catch yourself doing one of these five things, take time to ask yourself, “why” did I just do that? Do you not take time to rehearse before a meeting because you believe you can “shoot from the hip” and you don’t need practice? Do you have trouble getting to the point because you feel like you have to impress people with all your knowledge? Do you speak softly because you believe that people who talk too loudly are rude and obnoxious? These are only a sampling of reasons but they reveal that there may be a set of beliefs that are getting in the way of being a credible, confident and powerful leader. Only you will know!
