LEADERSHIP ESSENTIALS SERIES: TIP ONE

Think of the leaders or individuals who have inspired you in the past and invariably they will have displayed strong and confident body language.

I think of Winston Churchill surveying the blitz ravaged streets of London. At a time of fear and crisis his physical presence and body language provided hope and fostered resilience in the British population.

When watching sport we assess the body language of the boxer as they walk to the ring, the footballer as they walk to take a penalty, or the golfer surveying their putt. We are attempting to assess their mental state and how that will impact on performance.

Martin Johnson was picked as captain for the British Lions Rugby Tour to South Africa in part because the coaches wanted their biggest man to do the pre-match coin toss with the opposing captain. They wanted to use the body language of Johnson to strike a critical psychological blow before the match even began.

Your body language as a leader is crucial, particularly in times of adversity. Calm and composed will inspire confidence; conversely nervous and agitated will inspire fear and panic.

Is your body language something you focus on?

Think about who has inspired you in the past and what role their body language played in creating that impact.