When an authority figure walks into their office in the morning, within a nanosecond of contact with their associates is critical. One or two things could happen depending on how their associates perceive their demeanor. Team members may feel uplifted if the manager is in good spirits or feel concerned if the manager appears stressed, which could affect their morale. The same principle applies to virtual meetings. Someone’s energy can be perceived even in virtual meetings. Sitting position, eye contact, facial expressions, hand gestures, tone of voice, and a whole host of other indicators can send out positive or negative energy in the space.

Communication is essential in every part of human interaction, whether verbal or nonverbal. Authority figures need to understand the importance of nonverbal cues when relating with another individual, especially in the world of social media and artificial intelligence. It is important to be aware of how we relate with others without being aloof or disconnected from the distractions of technology and social noise. Soft skills still remain a critical tool in human relationships. Also, how a manager shows up in the room can formally or informally empower or disempower individuals in the room.

A manager’s formal authority is already established because of their position as a manager. In other words, associates may automatically defer to a manager’s authority the moment they walk into the room. However, a manager’s verbal and nonverbal behavior determines how team members read........

© Psychology Today