Body Language at Work

I read a poker book on body language a few years ago and have been interested in the subject ever since. Forbes Woman has a great post about common body language mistakes people often make at work. Here are some of the more common behaviours we might not be aware we are doing:

--Tilting your head--a sign of listening that can be misinterpreted as one of submission or even flirting.

--Folding your hands on your lap--hiding your hands under a conference table or desk, for example, signals untrustworthiness; a cue from ancient times, when men would reveal their palms to show they were unarmed.

--Crossing your legs--a sign of resistance.

--Excessive smiling--an indication that you lack gravitas and seriousness.

--Folding your arms in front of you--translates to insecurity or defensiveness.

--Playing with or tugging at your hair, jewelry or clothes--can signal distress or, again, be misinterpreted as flirting.