DR ZAFFRAN - HOW TO BE A SUCCESSFUL LEADER - Part one

Dr Zaffran asks - "Have you ever met someone that perhaps says one thing - but their body language conveys something different? I know that I have, and not just once!"

Sometimes body language tells a different story to what we’re saying. It may be perceived that:

We’re actually lying
We’re preoccupied and have other things on our mind
We feel unconfident about the situation
We feel uncomfortable

The negative impact that this creates can have far reaching effects on staff, on you and on the functioning of your business. The messages that we give out as leaders must be clear and unambiguous, so that staff aren't left to figure out what we ’re really trying to say.

What makes a good leader?

If you're not clear, workmates may lack confidence in your skills and be resistant to any of your new ideas. You could find yourself alienated from members of your staff as you’re seen as a manager and not a leader.

So, what makes a great leader? A successful leader needs to be able to communicate a vision for the future in a way that makes everyone else want the dream too. Great leaders throughout the ages have rallied the masses behind them through such means. When a great leader communicates a message, they live, breathe and sell that message to all who surround them.

Today - become more aware of what your body is doing as you listen and talk to people, paying attention to the facial expressions that you are making as you interact with others. Remember - communication isn't limited to what we say verbally - people notice what our body is saying and also pick up on what we don't say!

Test yourself

Try a little test – either watch yourself in a mirror as you’re talking about something that’s important to you and see how you’re coming across or get someone else to watch you who can comment on what they felt whilst you were talking. This may sound like a weird idea but you’ll be surprised what you learn about yourself!

You may not even be conscious of how you come across to others but with the above activities you will get the chance to see yourself with new eyes. Even if you think that you’re approachable and good at getting your point across, try the above exercise and be amazed at what you learn about yourself.