The
window guy comes in to bid and he says “you understand how this all works.” The drywall texture company owner comes in
and he references “you look like you know what you’re doing here.” The stone guy visits and says he’s certain I’ll
have the structure in place to hold the granite safely.
For
the last 3 weeks I’ve been working a home construction/renovation project and
wearing clothes appropriate for the undertaking (painters pants, sweatshirt and
very worn steel toed work boots). Simply
having this “look” gave me credibility with these contractors bidding
jobs. It also drove a slightly lower
price. Nonverbal communication is always
important but this was a great reminder how what we wear gives us credibility whether
we deserve it or not. I can remember the
opposite happening one time when I was shopping for a suit while wearing
shorts, t-shirt and sandals. No sales person
would give me the time of day.
Leaders
need to remember that everything they do and say is watched, interpreted and
assessed by the team. Nonverbal
communication is often as important as verbal.
Whether it is your office arrangement, desk housekeeping, personal
affects or dress code, they all tell a story.
What
nonverbal clues do you send? Are you
managing this or just letting it happen?
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