Leading a team through a crisis. Can your body language convey confidence and credibility effectively?

Concuerdo plenamente! El lenguaje no verbal tiene enorme importancia en la triada comunicativa que Albert Merhabian identificó (55%) Postura erguida, barbilla arriba, manos en la cintura proyectan dominio, seguridad y si mezclamos lo anterior con el hecho cierto de que la procesión va por dentro tenemos la actitud correcta para proyectar dominio!

Your posture speaks volumes about your emotions and reactions. It is prudent to keep a straight posture even during a crisis. It's recommended that you need to increase the distance between your ear lobe and shoulder. You can keep practicing this to master it well.

When leading a team through a crisis, your body language can effectively convey confidence and credibility with posture power. For example, standing tall with your shoulders back and maintaining an open stance can project authority and assurance. During a crisis meeting, if you stand up straight and make eye contact with team members, it signals that you are in control and confident in handling the situation. This nonverbal communication helps reassure the team and can inspire trust and confidence in your leadership, even in challenging times.

Uno de los principios de la comunicación que comparto con mis alumnos y mentees es el siguiente: "Todo comunica" Y en ese todo comunica, también está nuestro lenguaje no verbal, nuestro lenguaje corporal, nuestros gestos y acciones. Si alguien me dice: "Estoy feliz de estar con ustedes" , sin embargo en su rostro no se ve una sonrisa, simplemente no es creíble. Así, cuando somos líderes lo que dicen nuestro cuerpo, gestos y acciones va hacer más creíble o no creíble para nuestra audiencia. Lo bueno de esto, es que se puede trabajar y desarrollar. Si quieres aprender más, te invito a seguirme.

Leading a team through a crisis requires you to be confident and sure of yourself and this begins with your posture. Stand or sit upright. Make sure your shoulders are back to project confidence, control and credibility. Keep an open stance- no crossing of arms or slouching. This can show you as being unsure of yourself . Don't fidget. Use controlled and purposeful gestures to emphasize key points. It should come naturally. Maintain steady eye contact with your team to establish connection and trust. A strong, composed posture, conveys authority and confidence, reinforcing your leadership presence and reassuring your team members in times of a crisis.

Eye contact shows someone that you are giving them your undivided attention. It gives people the assurance that you are seeking to understand their message. Don't overdo eye contact as it can seem like you're staring. You can accompany your eye contact with moderate heading nodding.

Be sensitive about eye contact because there are cultural variances around it. If you're in a culture where eye contact is normal make sure to absolutely engage in the appropriate manner. Don't change your approach just because of a crisis. Rely on what has worked on the past and continue to help provide and bridge to the stability you're hoping the team to find.

Show your palms as much as possible and natural. For reference, look at the speeches of Barrack Obama. He shows his palms wherever possible. Palms convey that you can be trusted. That's why people touch and shake each other's palms (handshake and hi five) to convey trust and camaraderie.

In a crisis, body language and vocal variety play crucial roles in conveying confidence and credibility. Maintain an open posture with shoulders back and stand tall to project authority. Use vocal variety—altering pitch, volume, and pace—to emphasize key points and show calm control. For example, if addressing a sudden operational issue, start with a steady, reassuring tone to outline the problem. As you discuss solutions, use varied pitch and volume to highlight urgency and optimism. This approach helps maintain engagement and reassures your team that you are both capable and in command.

In a crisis, effective use of space can enhance your body language, conveying confidence and credibility. By using space wisely, you demonstrate control and assertiveness. Stand confidently at the front of the room or stage, using purposeful movement to engage with different sections of the team. For example, if addressing a group about a new strategy, move closer to areas where team members seem concerned, showing you are attentive and approachable. Avoid pacing nervously. Instead, use deliberate steps to emphasize points, reinforcing your leadership and reassuring your team that you have a clear plan.

During a crisis, using touch points effectively in your body language can enhance confidence and credibility. Touch points refer to physical gestures or actions that emphasize connection and authority. For example, in a team meeting, you can use a confident handshake or a reassuring pat on the shoulder to convey empathy and support. When delivering key messages, maintaining open body language, like keeping your hands visible and using purposeful gestures, reinforces your commitment to addressing the crisis. If discussing sensitive changes, a firm yet reassuring touch on a team member's shoulder can demonstrate solidarity and confidence, helping to build trust and convey that you are actively engaged and supportive.