To get straight to the point: It says more about you than you think, and it also has more impact on you than you may realize. In this blog post, I could write endlessly about how I see the impact of body language every day, and how I try to adjust it in the people I work with so they can get more out of themselves and the people around them. Alternatively, I can just let you experience and feel it. I’ll do this by showing you two pictures. One of Bruno Famin, the former head of the Alpine Formula 1 team. A very successful man in his field who lead hundreds of people in one of the most high-pressure environments you can imagine. The other picture is of Pierre Gasly. He is a driver for the Alpine Formula 1 team, and he too excels in his work within that same high-pressure environment. Take a moment to observe these two people.
Above, you see Bruno Famin. Now, I have a few questions for you. What impression does this man give you? How do you feel when you look at him? What stands out to you when you see this picture of him? How quickly would you be inclined to work with him?
Below, you see a picture of Pierre Gasly. For this picture, I will ask you the exact same questions. What impression does this man give you? How do you feel when you look at him? What stands out to you when you see this picture of him? How quickly would you be inclined to work with him?
The earlier questions are meant to make you aware of the impact someone's body language can have on you. But how can your own body language impact yourself? Shall we try that as well? Now, take on Bruno’s posture as closely as possible: shoulders slightly forward, head tilted slightly down, with your eyes looking towards the horizon. Hold this for about ten seconds. How do you feel? What happens to your energy? What are you in the mood for, or not in the mood for? What feels possible from this posture?
By now, the pattern is likely clear, so let’s do the same with Pierre’s posture. Shoulders back, chest forward, a smile on your face, while your head is held upright. Hold this position for about ten seconds. How do you feel now? What happens to your energy? What are you in the mood for, or not in the mood for? What feels possible from this posture?
These small details can truly make a difference. As you notice, your body can mentally limit you if you aren’t aware of your posture. But it works the other way around too. If you are mentally aware of what you want to project, you can adopt the corresponding physical posture, and the results will reinforce each other.
Would you like to know more about this? Or is this something you’d like to work on? I’d be happy to have a conversation with you. You can schedule an appointment with me via this link. However, if you’re interested in a broader coaching program, you can book an introductory session with me here. I hope to see you soon.
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