It’s so stunningly simple that I couldn’t believe it myself. And I have years of training and coaching experience in the corporate world. Before coming across this hopelessly easy approach I thought it took much more. Time, effort, energy.
You need it, because you, working in a highly competitive branch, can’t afford to waste the opportunity you have. You simply can’t.
It’s all about Presence. People who transmit presence are confident, comfortable in their shoes in any situation and passionate about who they are and what they do.
What’s the most interesting is that Presence is transmitted primarily through body language: vocal qualities, gestures, facial expressions, body posture, and so on.
So, how do you convey more Presence? The answer is – Power Pose.
Amy Cuddy in her best-selling book Presence clearly shows and proves that Power Posing builds your presence in difficult situations such as presenting, negotiating, giving feedback. Also in annual appraisal interviews, job interviews or you-could-do-without meetings with your boss.
Says Cuddy: “Power Posing helps you optimize your brain to be 100 percent present before you start. It’s a kind of a warm-up activity.”
You can do it physically or mentally. Mental Power Posing will have the same effects as physical Power Posing.
What’s important is to power pose BEFORE a situation and maintain an open, but still strong and upright posture DURING a situation.
How to Power Pose:
- Pose as a Wonder Woman or adopt Leonardo DiCaprio’s pose of “I’m the King of the World” from Titanic or any similar character or pose real or fictional you associate with presence; the character must have a powerful and expansive pose;
- If you can’t pose expand your body as much as you can, e. g. wrap the back of the chair with your arms and clasp your hands together;
- Arrive before others and make yourself comfortable in your chair; adopt “At Attention” position (chin up, chest out, shoulders back, stomach in) or sit expansively (use the leg-four pose and clasp your arms behind your head). For women this might be a bit awkward so rather sit upright, feet firmly on the floor, one arm resting on the chair arm and the other one on the top rail of the chair next. And don’t forget to keep your chin up.
When waiting to be called the worst thing you can do is hunch over your phone. It’ll do exactly the opposite of what you want to transmit. Also, don’t slouch in your chair and don’t keep your arms in your lap. If possible walk (from time to time), but don’t pace.
Good body posture is essential for your Presence. This is what you can do throughout the day:
- Place your mouse further away from your body and you’ll be forced to expand;
- Use headsets and stretch while on the phone (instead of pulling your arms in when holding the phone against your ear);
- Hang a picture you like and it’ll invite you to look at it and stretch up;
- Stretch before you get up in the morning and before you fall asleep;
- Put (one of) your hands on your hips (e. g. when stirring the casserole, when looking out from the window, when brushing your teeth …);
- If your job requires sitting most of the time, stand up and walk around;
- Lift your arms in a V shape above your head (similar as athletes when they win);
Also, doing sports, where you are required to expand your body makes miracles. Consider yoga or swimming for instance.
One more thing. NUDGE yourself gently and persistently to keep doing so. The effects are incredible.