There’s only one tip on body language and business

January 24, 2012 by  

image by Banjo Brown

Globe and Mail commenters recently savaged “Ten simple and powerful body language tips for 2012“, originally a Forbes.com article.

The article’s suggestions included:

- hold “high- power” poses (such as feet up on a desk with your hands behind your head or standing with arms and legs spread apart) to stimulate testosterone and confidence.

- “to increase participation, look like you’re listening” That’s a direct quote.

- Smile genuinely. (with a detailed description of what a genuine smile looks like, so you can practice being genuine in the mirror, I guess.)

Commenters had a field day giving their own suggestions in response to an article that focused on poses instead of attitude.

“Good lord, that’s terrible advice,” wrote one commenter about the feet-on-desk power pose. “Unless you’re the CEO, don’t do this.”

“Agee 100%,” replied another. “When I walk in on somebody in that pose, I assume that they don’t have enough to do.”

“Holding your arms out and spreading your legs wide to make yourself appear as large as possible is also an effective tactic for warding off an attack by a bear,” observed one commenter. “You should note, however, that sometimes this technique just serves to pi$$ the bear off and it takes a bite out of your a$$.”

In comparison, Todd Smith’s explanation of body language on his blog Little Things Matter observes that body language is a reflection of our thoughts and feelings.

To make an actual difference in what your body communicates to others, you need to be aware and in control of your mental state. The only worthwhile tip for positive body language is to be in a positive state of mind.

“Forget the gold painted plaster and get at the source,” said one of Smith’s commenters, echoing the Globe and Mail readers who argued that being sincere is better than taking a “sincere” pose.

Can you tell when someone is faking body language? Does it irritate you? Or does it make you feel sympathetic to someone who just may be shy or nervous?

5 Easy Steps: How to Write a Thank You Card

December 30, 2011 by  

Many people find writing thank you cards as enjoyable as having a tooth pulled, but here are five easy steps to writing a great thank you card:

1. It Is Never Too Late

A common way to deal with thank you cards is to procrastinate until weeks, or months, have passed. At this point you figure it’s too late to send a card. It would probably be rude to send one now, right?

Wrong. Get your butt in that chair and start writing. It will be quick. It will be painless. You’ll have built up several relationships, working ones or otherwise. You can reward yourself with chocolate or SportsCenter afterward.

2. Be Brief

Length does not always equal sincerity or thoughtfulness. Start with “Dear So-and-so: Thank you so much for…” A rambling opener such as, “Dear Bob, I decided I wanted to drop you a quick note to let you know how much…” is not necessary. Those cards don’t have much space, you know!

3. Acknowledge the Gift Specifically

What delicious chocolates, beautiful flowers, great party! The only exception, of course, is money, which is always a “generous gift”.

4. Explain Why the Gift Is Useful

Everyone in the office loved the chocolates. The flowers brightened your day and made customers smile. The party was a wonderful opportunity to reconnect.

And if it was a “generous gift”? I recommend something like, “As you can imagine, it will be very useful to our small business/busy family/hard-working group of volunteers.” Some recommend describing what you’ll use the money for, but I find the Tackiness Potential much too high in that. “I think I’ll spend the money on Farmville, Mafia Wars or lottery tickets. I haven’t decided yet.” Thank You Card Fail.

5. End with the Future

End your thank you card with something about both yourself and the reader. The easiest way is to mention an event or time in the future you will meet at, or hope to meet at. For thank you cards written in the holiday season, this line is easy: “Happy new year and a successful 2012″.

image by asenat29