What your desk says about you. ....A body language experts read.
Joanne Richard, Sun Media
Well, you can kiss that promotion goodbye -- thanks to that tacky Trailer Park Boys calendar hanging front and centre in your workspace.
Call it career death by décor.
"Put up a suggestive or tasteless calendar and you're looking to be fired. You're a risk-taker who wants to be seen as on the edge -- and you could find yourself pushed off!" says Patti Wood, an Atlanta communications and behaviour expert.
According to Wood, personal items displayed at work convey messages and, like it or not, judgments are made about you based on your taste -- or lack of.
Objects speak loud and clear, says Wood, and often provide clues to an employee's personality and level of commitment.
Toronto image and communications specialist, Roz Usheroff, says workplace accessories "define who you are; they're an extension of your image. Conveying a sense of professionalism is of the utmost importance -- that's if you want to be taken seriously."
She recommends accessorizing with a few "items that define you, like a hobby such as golf or fishing, that allows for small talk and a point of reference -- nothing inappropriate or overdone. You need to show a sense of humour, approachability and warmth."
Adeodata Czink doesn't agree. "Why do you need props? Are you not there to work?" asks Czink, a Toronto etiquette expert and president of Business of Manners.
Check out your workplace style and what it says about you, according to our experts:
Messy! Cluttered but creative, says Usheroff, of The Usheroff Institute in Toronto. "These people can be very innovative types."
According to Wood, a pristine work area may indicate a less approachable type who considers work to be work -- forget the socializing. And don't ask questions; their personal life is just that -- personal. They work well, effectively, efficiently and may have aspirations to move up the corporate ladder. Colleagues socializing and taking personal calls on company time easily annoy them.
Wood also adds that an absence of personal items altogether may indicate lack of permanency -- less to pack when it's time to move on. They may also be secretive; "it could reveal they were fired in past jobs and they don't trust they'll be there long."
Get stuffed. If cutesy figurines, kids' artwork, and a few cuddly stuffed bears adorn the work area, this indicates a warm and fuzzy kind of person who has no problem showing their emotions; self-disclosure comes easily, says Wood. Spending time with friends and family rates high on their priority list.
It's a bird! Superhero action figures or calendar, and goofy, techie toys reveal a good problem solver who's a big kid inside. "They're more left-brain oriented and love to show how smart they are -- if you're in the market for a new TV, computer or camcorder, be sure to seek out their advice," says Wood.
I've got kids! Family photos in very obvious places -- especially at the right of your computer screen -- reveal that family and relationships matter. "It's what make this person happy and it's the most important thing to them," says Wood.
Not necessarily so, adds Czink: "Lots of men put a family picture on their desk or in the room at the window so that others should see what a committed family man he is. I carry my children's picture in my soul, and don't need to have them on my desk."
Sitting pretty. What do you see first -- their back or their face? Sitting with your back to the door indicates you're there to work and don't appreciate interruptions; facing or sitting sideways to the door is a sign of welcome, adds Wood.
"Never close your door," warns Usheroff. "Psychologically, you're putting a wall up; you're signalling you're not approachable."
http://lifewise.canoe.ca/Work/2005/03/16/962849.html
Patti Wood, MA, Certified Speaking Professional - The Body Language Expert. For more body language insights go to her website at http://PattiWood.net. Also check out the body language quiz on her YouTube Channel at http://youtube.com/user/bodylanguageexpert.
The Benefits of Touch
In an article for Lending Success, Patti Wood, motivational speaker and communication trainer, discusses the benefits of touch and what is "safe touch" in the workplace. Check the link for her informative insights.http://www.scribd.com/doc/34851978/Lending-Success-Can'tTouchThis
Patti Wood, MA, Certified Speaking Professional - The Body Language Expert. For more body language insights go to her website at http://pattiwood.net/. Also check out the body language quiz on her YouTube Channel at http://youtube.com/user/bodylanguageexpert.
Hewlett-Packard Says CEO, Mark Hurd, Is Stepping Down Following A Sexual-Harassment Investigation
Years ago, when I was working on my doctorate, I gave my first paid speech on body language and gender differences. I realized that with all the women entering the workforce in equal positions with men there would be more sexual-harassment problems and began doing research on what would be my initial doctoral dissertation topic, "Romantic Relationships In The Work Place." I also started getting requests to do communication programs on preventing sexual-harassment issues.
When I see news items about sexual-harassment, I read them with great interest. Here is a story that I wish I had some video on to analyze the body language.
HP’s CEO Hurd quits after sexual-harassment probe
Executive filed false expense reports to cover up
HP CEO steps down. Justin Sullivan
Hewlett-Packard says CEO Mark Hurd is stepping down following a sexual-harassment probe.msnbc.com news services
updated 4 minutes ago
Share Print Font: +-PALO ALTO, Calif. — Hewlett-Packard Co. Chairman and CEO Mark Hurd has resigned after a sexual-harassment probe that found he violated company standards, the computer maker said Friday.
The investigation found that although there was no violation of HP's sexual harassment policy Hurd, 53, filed erroneous expense reports to cover up his "close personal relationship" with a marketing consultant hired by his office, HP general counsel Michael Holston said.
The investigation also found there were "numerous instances where the contractor received compensation and/or expense reimbursement where there was not a legitimate business purpose," Holston said in a conference call with analysts. He said the behavior reflected a "profound lack of judgment."
As a result Hurd, who is married, has stepped down from all his positions at the company, effective immediately, according to a news release issued after the stock market closed Friday.
"As the investigation progressed, I realized there were instances in which I did not live up to the standards and principles of trust, respect and integrity that I have espoused at HP and which have guided me throughout my career," Hurd said in a statement.
"This is a painful decision for me to make after five years at HP, but I believe it would be difficult for me to continue as an effective leader at HP and I believe this is the only decision the board and I could make at this time," he said.
Hurd and Robert Ryan, HP's lead independent board member, stressed that Hurd's departure has nothing to do with the company's financial health.
Patti Wood, MA, Certified Speaking Professional - The Body Language Expert. For more body language insights go to her website at http://PattiWood.net. Also check out the body language quiz on her YouTube Channel at http://youtube.com/user/bodylanguageexpert.
When I see news items about sexual-harassment, I read them with great interest. Here is a story that I wish I had some video on to analyze the body language.
HP’s CEO Hurd quits after sexual-harassment probe
Executive filed false expense reports to cover up
HP CEO steps down. Justin Sullivan
Hewlett-Packard says CEO Mark Hurd is stepping down following a sexual-harassment probe.msnbc.com news services
updated 4 minutes ago
Share Print Font: +-PALO ALTO, Calif. — Hewlett-Packard Co. Chairman and CEO Mark Hurd has resigned after a sexual-harassment probe that found he violated company standards, the computer maker said Friday.
The investigation found that although there was no violation of HP's sexual harassment policy Hurd, 53, filed erroneous expense reports to cover up his "close personal relationship" with a marketing consultant hired by his office, HP general counsel Michael Holston said.
The investigation also found there were "numerous instances where the contractor received compensation and/or expense reimbursement where there was not a legitimate business purpose," Holston said in a conference call with analysts. He said the behavior reflected a "profound lack of judgment."
As a result Hurd, who is married, has stepped down from all his positions at the company, effective immediately, according to a news release issued after the stock market closed Friday.
"As the investigation progressed, I realized there were instances in which I did not live up to the standards and principles of trust, respect and integrity that I have espoused at HP and which have guided me throughout my career," Hurd said in a statement.
"This is a painful decision for me to make after five years at HP, but I believe it would be difficult for me to continue as an effective leader at HP and I believe this is the only decision the board and I could make at this time," he said.
Hurd and Robert Ryan, HP's lead independent board member, stressed that Hurd's departure has nothing to do with the company's financial health.
Patti Wood, MA, Certified Speaking Professional - The Body Language Expert. For more body language insights go to her website at http://PattiWood.net. Also check out the body language quiz on her YouTube Channel at http://youtube.com/user/bodylanguageexpert.
Gaze And Flirting
Quote in Mens Health
"Lost in her gaze "
If you find locking eyes with her a struggle, it might just be that you're feeling dominated, anxious or shy. When you do, you "look away as an attempt to regain control, disengage and limit how much information you take in," says John Dovidio, Ph.D., a psychology professor at Yale University. So the next time you two are alone, first make a conscious effort to rein in your addled emotions. If you're still struggling, take the advice of body language expert, Patti Wood, M.A., and split your attention among her mouth, eyes and cheek." This makes wondering eyes less obvious. And don't stop trying: University of Colorado researchers found that meeting her gaze makes you seem powerful.
Labels: Relationships
http://www.mens-health.com.my/2009_03_01_archive.html
Patti Wood, MA, Certified Speaking Professional - The Body Language Expert. For more body language insights go to her website at http://PattiWood.net. Also check out the body language quiz on her YouTube Channel at http://youtube.com/user/bodylanguageexpert.
"Lost in her gaze "
If you find locking eyes with her a struggle, it might just be that you're feeling dominated, anxious or shy. When you do, you "look away as an attempt to regain control, disengage and limit how much information you take in," says John Dovidio, Ph.D., a psychology professor at Yale University. So the next time you two are alone, first make a conscious effort to rein in your addled emotions. If you're still struggling, take the advice of body language expert, Patti Wood, M.A., and split your attention among her mouth, eyes and cheek." This makes wondering eyes less obvious. And don't stop trying: University of Colorado researchers found that meeting her gaze makes you seem powerful.
Labels: Relationships
http://www.mens-health.com.my/2009_03_01_archive.html
Patti Wood, MA, Certified Speaking Professional - The Body Language Expert. For more body language insights go to her website at http://PattiWood.net. Also check out the body language quiz on her YouTube Channel at http://youtube.com/user/bodylanguageexpert.
Beyonce's Body Language
Body-language expert, Patti Wood, weighs in on Beyonce's latest favorite pose and takes a trip down armpit memory lane.
By Lindsay Soll Feb 02, 2007
Lindsay Soll .
ShareComments Add your comment All About Anna Nicole Smith
Get the latest photos, news, and more. She may not have nabbed an Oscar nomination for Dreamgirls, but Beyoncé and her latest ubiquitous signature pose have been hard to miss on the red carpets. We asked body-language expert Patti Wood to weigh in on the singer-actress' stance and took a trip down armpit memory lane, where plenty of celebs have raised their hands ('cause they're sure?).
1. HANDS
''You have to be a pretty brave mama to be putting your hands on your head,'' Wood says. ''It's typically a male posture. It's called 'the cape and the crown,' [which says] 'I'm in charge, I'm royalty.'''
2. ELBOWS
''They make the head appear larger, saying, 'I'm bigger than anybody else.' Also, it's very aggressive because of the sharp edges. It's read by the subconscious as an attack stance.''
3. HIPS
''The provocative hip tilt is very Mae West. It means, 'Come here and have sex with me.'''
4. LEGS
''What she's doing is like a hula dancer!''
ANNA NICOLE SMITH 2005
A certain octogenarian magnet is clearly proud of her TrimSpa body (and her clear deodorant).
JULIETTE LEWIS 2006
Looks like the Catch and Release star is about to break into her own version of the chicken dance.
DIANA ROSS 1988
If this is how she says, ''I'm coming out,'' then we're scared to see ''Touch me in the morning.''
FRAN DRESCHER 1997
Even by Drescherian standards, this late-20th-century look is especially unfortunate.
Originally posted Feb 02, 2007
Published in issue #920 Feb 09, 2007
Order
http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20010715,00.html
Patti Wood, MA, Certified Speaking Professional - The Body Language Expert. For more body language insights go to her website at http://PattiWood.net. Also check out the body language quiz on her YouTube Channel at http://youtube.com/user/bodylanguageexpert.
By Lindsay Soll Feb 02, 2007
Lindsay Soll .
ShareComments Add your comment All About Anna Nicole Smith
Get the latest photos, news, and more. She may not have nabbed an Oscar nomination for Dreamgirls, but Beyoncé and her latest ubiquitous signature pose have been hard to miss on the red carpets. We asked body-language expert Patti Wood to weigh in on the singer-actress' stance and took a trip down armpit memory lane, where plenty of celebs have raised their hands ('cause they're sure?).
1. HANDS
''You have to be a pretty brave mama to be putting your hands on your head,'' Wood says. ''It's typically a male posture. It's called 'the cape and the crown,' [which says] 'I'm in charge, I'm royalty.'''
2. ELBOWS
''They make the head appear larger, saying, 'I'm bigger than anybody else.' Also, it's very aggressive because of the sharp edges. It's read by the subconscious as an attack stance.''
3. HIPS
''The provocative hip tilt is very Mae West. It means, 'Come here and have sex with me.'''
4. LEGS
''What she's doing is like a hula dancer!''
ANNA NICOLE SMITH 2005
A certain octogenarian magnet is clearly proud of her TrimSpa body (and her clear deodorant).
JULIETTE LEWIS 2006
Looks like the Catch and Release star is about to break into her own version of the chicken dance.
DIANA ROSS 1988
If this is how she says, ''I'm coming out,'' then we're scared to see ''Touch me in the morning.''
FRAN DRESCHER 1997
Even by Drescherian standards, this late-20th-century look is especially unfortunate.
Originally posted Feb 02, 2007
Published in issue #920 Feb 09, 2007
Order
http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20010715,00.html
Patti Wood, MA, Certified Speaking Professional - The Body Language Expert. For more body language insights go to her website at http://PattiWood.net. Also check out the body language quiz on her YouTube Channel at http://youtube.com/user/bodylanguageexpert.
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