You're struggling to understand your team members. How can you interpret their non-verbal cues effectively?

I'd like to share a brief anecdote. I've been nearsighted since childhood, but I wasn't fully aware of the extent of my condition until adulthood. It only became apparent to me when a colleague asked why I always appeared to be scowling when meeting with clients. He was very candid with me, and I still appreciate his honesty to this day. What had happened? My nearsightedness was so pronounced that I had to focus intently on my clients during conversations due to my interest in what they were saying. As a result, I would squint, giving the impression of a piercing stare. While I did not feel uncomfortable, it was evidently unsettling for my conversation partners. I had not realized how my facial expressions were perceived by others.

A percepção das expressões faciais é uma competência valiosa no ambiente de trabalho. Cada vez mais tenho percebido que a habilidade de interpretar expressões faciais pode melhorar a eficácia das reuniões e discussões no dia a dia do trabalho. Identificar quando alguém está confuso ou em desacordo permite que os líderes abordem questões antes que se tornem grandes problemas. Ela contribui para uma comunicação mais clara, relacionamentos mais fortes e um ambiente de trabalho mais harmonioso e produtivo.

Our body language speaks much louder than words. Note facial expressions, folding of the arms, hand gestures, finger pointing, inappropriate laughter, rolling of the eyes, pull/push gestures (leaning in or away from others), attitude, and squinting of the eyes. the look of approval or disapproval and seeking others to confirm or agree or support a statement. These and so much more can tell the real story.

Sometimes it can be difficult to look directly into a person’s eyes while speaking to them. I Agee facial expressions can tell you a lot about a person disposition at that moment. They could just be having a difficult day.

Facial expressions are key indicators of a person's emotions and can reveal how they feel about a situation. For instance, a furrowed brow might indicate confusion or concern, while a genuine smile can suggest satisfaction or agreement. Pay attention to these subtle cues during conversations and meetings. If you notice a mismatch between someone’s words and their facial expressions, gently probe for more information to ensure you address any underlying issues they might not be verbalizing. Observing these nuances helps in understanding the full scope of their feelings and concerns.

Focusing on a single nonverbal signal, such as crossed arms, is a significant mistake. It is far better to consider at least three body language signals together, such as facial expressions, arm positions, and leg positions. If all three can be interpreted negatively, we should reflect on how our own behaviour contributes to this and, in the next step, how we can change it to be more positive.

Veja alguns exemplos de linguagem e seu significado, mas lembre-se de avaliar o contexto:  Cruzar os Braços: defesa ou fechamento.  Braços Abertos: abertura e aceitação.  Contato Visual Direto: confiança e interesse.  Sorriso: amizade e abertura.  Aperto de Mão Firme: confiança e força.

Body language constitutes 55% of the total communication so without any doubt, it has to be noticed. Its especially visible during presentations or conversations. And you must pay attention to it. Its important to make people comfortable so they can be their best version!

Body language can tell us much about how confident, open, or receptive someone feels. For instance, if someone has their arms crossed, it might mean they feel defensive or resistant. On the other hand, leaning intends to show genuine interest and engagement. Paying close attention to these subtle cues from your team members can help you better understand their current state of mind and make any necessary adjustments in how you interact with them. Remember that context matters—consider the overall situation before reading too much into one gesture or posture.

Die meisten Menschen denken bei der Körpersprache an die Extremitäten. Verschränke ich meine Arme, wackle ich mit dem Fuss oder der Hand? Es geht aber noch viel mehr ins Detail: - Wie ist die Atmung? Ruhig und tief oer schnell und flach? - Wie ist die Körperhaltung? Ist der Brustkorb geöffnet oder ist man leicht nach vorne gebeugt, verschlossen?

Studien sagen, dass 80% der Kommunikation nicht über die Sprache erfolgt, sondern über den Körper. Der erste Schritt ist es, sich in seinem Körper wohlzufühlen und stillhalten zu können. Wenn du das meisterst, dann kannst du dich auf dein Gegenüber konzentrieren :)

Interessante como esta linguagem pode trazer visões diferentes. Em diversos momentos eu preciso me policiar para que a forma de expressar não sugira arrogância ou mesmo comando o controle. Colocar os pontos de maneira enfática e sem muitos rodeios, dependendo do público ouvinte soa de maneira equivocada e não chegamos no objetivo final. Muito importante essas leituras não verbais e o entendimento de quem é o emissor e receptor e ajustes vão sendo necessários.

The tone by which you communicate counts more than the content. In my words: How you say > What you say So, make sure to look beyond the superficial words and address any underlying issues. This can make you standout as an empathetic leader.

The power of the voice in communication is often underestimated. Beyond the words we choose, how we say them—our tone, pitch, and pace—can profoundly influence our message's impact. A confident, clear voice can inspire trust and convey authority, while a warm, engaging tone fosters connection and empathy. Conversely, a monotone or hesitant delivery can undermine even the most carefully crafted message. Mastering vocal techniques is essential for effective communication, whether in professional settings or personal interactions. Your voice is a powerful tool—use it wisely.

Você já observou como tom ou volume expressam mensagens diferentes? Alto: Paixão, força, ênfase Médio: Normalidade, equilíbrio, clareza Baixo: Intimidade, reflexão, segredo

Another thing to notice is the difference in eye contact when someone is thinking aloud versus when they are explaining. When thinking, the focus turns inward and we may break eye contact. When explaining something — especially when we really want others to follow along with what we are saying — we may make stronger eye contact, as we are looking for signs of understanding from the person we are talking to. Know too that all of this varies wildly by person and context! It's always good to question your interpretations…what else might be going on here?

Eye contact holds great significance in how we communicate without words. When someone maintains eye contact, it often shows genuine interest and honesty; conversely, when they avoid it, it might mean they are uneasy or evasive. By noticing these patterns in your team's contact, get a clearer sense of their engagement levels and tackle any barriers in communication.

To crack difficult conversation with team member eye contact helps establish a connection, making the conversation feel more personal and less confrontational. It humanizes the interaction, making it easier to navigate challenging topics.

Los manager estamos muy inmersos en los problemas que debemos resolver, infinidad de temas, debido a esto a vece olvidamos la importancia de hacer contacto visual con las personas que nos solicitan. Este es el primer paso para tratar de ser empáticos con el otro. El contacto visual nos ayuda a comprender el mensaje que nos están dando.

É importante aqui também mantermos a curiosidade. Alguns padrões de neurodivergência (como o autismo ou o TDAH), muitas vezes não diagnosticados em adultos, podem trazer a evitação ou dificuldade na manutenção do contato visual, ao mesmo tempo em que isso não significa necessariamente desinteresse ou desonestidade.

Don't interpret - ask them. Interpreting someone else's non verbal cues is like attempting mind reading.......it's much simpler to ask.....and then you can be sure of what is going on. You may not feel as smug (we all like to think we can "read" people) but if understanding the other person is the goal then smugness doesn't matter.

Olhe sempre o contexto e a frequência. Dores físicas, por exemplo, podem provocar linguagens corporais desconfortáveis e facilmente confundidas com desânimo ou desinteresse. O contexto social também devo ser levado em conta. Não julgue precipitadamente. Busque ajude de um profissional em linguagem corporal ou inteligência emocional, e vá muito além em seus relacionamentos.

When trying to understand non-verbal cues, it's essential to remember the context. People's cultural backgrounds, habits, and what's going on in their lives can all shape how they communicate without words. Please don't rush to judge based on gestures or facial expressions. Instead, try to notice patterns over time and in various situations. This way, you'll have a better chance of truly understanding your team members' feelings and attitudes.

La communication non verbale est intéressante pour lever le mystère d'un non-dit ou conforter une impression de désalignement avec des propos tenus. Toutefois, ses signaux faibles sont nécessairement interprétés avec notre propre angle de vue, nos biais, notre état d'esprit ou la nature de notre relation. Ils sont à prendre avec beaucoup de précautions. Nous avons donc la responsabilité de faire valider par la personne que nous avons bien compris ce qu'elle voulait dire entre les lignes, rendre explicite l'implicite, pour éviter toute incompréhension liée à une mauvaise interprétation de ces signaux non-verbaux.

Ao interpretar pistas não verbais, é crucial considerar o contexto em que elas ocorrem. A comunicação não verbal pode ser influenciada por diversos fatores, incluindo formação cultural, hábitos pessoais e circunstâncias atuais. As diferenças culturais, por exemplo, podem afetar a forma como certos gestos ou expressões são percebidos. Em algumas culturas, o contato visual direto pode ser visto como sinal de respeito e atenção, enquanto em outras pode ser interpretado como desrespeitoso ou agressivo

Active listening is a cornerstone of empathy. By fully concentrating, understanding, and responding thoughtfully to what others are saying, we demonstrate genuine care and respect. This practice goes beyond hearing words; it involves observing non-verbal cues and providing feedback that acknowledges the speaker’s perspective. Active listening fosters deeper connections, builds trust, and opens the door to meaningful conversations. In a world where distractions are plentiful, mastering this skill can significantly enhance personal and professional relationships, making us more empathetic and effective communicators.

Empathy truly lies at the heart of emotional intelligence. When you genuinely understand your team members' perspectives and feelings, you're paving the way for a more united and efficient workplace. If you notice that someone seems upset or uneasy through their body language or expressions, reach out with kindness and an open heart. Doing so'll make it easier for them to express what's on their mind, fostering better problem-solving and teamwork for everyone involved.

Dans l’écoute active, il est important de ne pas rejeter les ressentis de l’autre même si, ils peuvent sembler exagéré. Utiliser des mots comme « j’entends » « je comprends » sans validé ou invalidé ce qu’il décrit, qui n’est pas forcément LA vérité mais reste sa vérité à lui permet d’avoir un dialogue plus apaisé et surtout que l’on peut mener à terme dans de meilleure condition. Le but étant d’apaiser une situation tendu afin de pouvoir être mieux écouté à son tour. Cela nous pousse nous aussi à prendre en compte son point de vue sans l’étouffer, car cela peux entraîner un blocage en réponse.

La empatía es una de las principales claves para conectar con tu equipo de trabajo. Esto ayuda a que los colaboradores tengan más confianza y ayuda a la resolución de conflictos

Empathy is undoubtedly a crucial skill for achieving success in our daily work. Its importance has grown even more as we spend more time working from home or remotely, where other forms of connection, such as eye contact and non-verbal cues, are limited. Practicing empathy helps us become more effective and engage better with our peers and colleagues by understanding their perspectives and experiences.

Generally speaking, Westerners are assertive whereas Japanese seem to be non-assertive. In this contrasting situation, many Westerners are sometimes coerced to read nonverbal messages held by the Japanese business counterparts. In this case, I, as a cross-cultural communication trainer, often advise Westerners to ask an empathetical rephrased question to them to get bottom line or hidden will. Particularly when assertive Westerners demand logical responses from any business people, Japanese tend to be quiet, and often stop talking things clearly in words. Assertive dialogue is a sign of confrontation for Japanese, and they are uncomfortable with it from the cultural viewpoint.

To effectively interpret your team's non-verbal cues: 1. Observe Body Language:Notice gestures and posture. 2. Eye Contact:Consistent eye contact shows engagement; avoidance can signal discomfort. 3. Tone of Voice:Changes in pitch and speed convey emotions. 4. Microexpressions:Brief facial expressions reveal true feelings. 5. Context:** Consider the situation and usual behavior. 6. Ask Questions:Clarify if you're unsure. This approach enhances communication and fosters a productive team environment.

Adicionalmente creo que una de las herramientas más importantes es preguntar, si tengo duda, si veo que el otro no está bien, si me demuestra gestualmente que no encajan las palabras y los gestos, preguntar! ¿cómo estás? ¿qué es lo que esperas? ¿en qué puedo yo contribuir?

Une chose que j’ai trouvé utile, c’est de répéter ce que les gens nous font comme feed-back ou lorsqu’ils expriment un désaccord un peu trop à chaud. Elle permet à la personne de changer de version, ou de donner du contexte au problème ou le nuancer ou au contraire de la valider Et nous elle nous donne l’opportunité d’avoir des éléments supplémentaire sur les mots qui ont été prononcé. Une validation de sa pensée surtout si elle est violente, nous permet de nous assurer d’avoir bien compris le contexte et les mots exactes que la personne a utilisé.