How your posture can signal success
Workplace studies have shown that taller people are seen as more capable, positive, desirable, successful and especially confident. Tall men have even been proven to earn more than their shorter brethren.
Even in the wilds, animals claim power by making themselves look bigger. They’ll fan out feathers, expand their wings, stretch their necks, or stand with arms raised while they strut in a wide gait. Being more imposing can get you the girl and also get you out of a scary situation.
Our lesson here is about the power of space and how we appear in it. Standing tall, no matter your actual height, in a social or workplace situation will impress and influence people around you – from the moment you enter the space.
It works for women, too. Did you ever notice how many tall women still choose to wear high heeled shoes?
Why? Because those extra few centimetres add up to another layer of admiration and trust. It may stem from early times where tall people were perceived as more able to protect the tribe, but it’s a vestige of image that is still with us.
In my life, as an above average woman, according to the Canadian standards for heights of males and females, it’s made all the difference as an advantage and a sometimes challenge.
My mother told me to stand up straight, hold my head high and be proud of my presence. Today, we might say “own” it. Good advice at anytime. What made it remarkable was that this tip was delivered and accepted when I was not yet 14 years old and already 173 cm tall. Imagine how just addressing my posture, in all its awkward height of 5.8, especially for an early teens female, enabled me to have it as an effective tool, for life.
How you carry your body signals an attitude. Good posture cannot be defined by a rigid formula; it is seen as the natural and comfortable upright bearing of the body in persons that are normal and healthy.
This means that you hold yourself naturally and not painfully straight when standing and when seated you maintain a comfortably straight back. Good standing and sitting posture projects energy. It not only keeps your organs happy and allows your muscles to be efficient, it also make you both less tired and less tired looking to others.
Energy and confidence attract people and can do the same for your salary and social standing.
SuperTips
Stand tall within your own body frame. Be balanced and elongate your neck and limbs.
Shoulders should face your conversation partner.
Ensure that the rest of your body follows to show attention and respect for the interaction.
Shoulders atop a good posture “enlarge” your presence and enhance your confidence.
Chin lifted.
Lift your chin and with it your spirits.
Also position your eyes higher. This gives a positive “up” expression.
Have you ever noticed how confident people command power and attention with their physical presence alone?
Think: Royals. Try it till it becomes natural. Chins up. Shoulders back. Eyes up and forward. Exhale and stretch your skeleton just a little up and straighter.
VIP The posture we take on for our bodies affects others’ impressions of us and also the messages of respect and confidence we send ourselves.
Next up? Lips in the service of your success.
