In today’s corporate environment, competition is the name of the game. This is true in terms of organizations adding value to their products and services to retain competitive advantage, and this is true when it comes to employees retaining competitive advantage in the workplace by adding value to their own skills. Many psychologists, sociologists, and other theorists argue that nonverbal communication is as significant as verbal communication for optimal success in the workplace. Occurring mostly on the subconscious level, we all employ nonverbal communication or body language throughout our daily lives. This is true in the form of a smile to a loved one or an obscene gesture made to a rude motorist. In the workplace, this form of communication can go a long way toward succeeding, both in terms of success with supervisors and overall career success. Yet, despite its largely subconscious nature, body language has an enormous impact on work relations and success. As one expert notes “Although a head tilt can show compassion and understanding, it can have a negative effect when done in business meetings” (Body 51). This analysis will discuss nonverbal communication and how best to employ it for on-the-job success with supervisors.
One of the main reasons nonverbal communication is so crucial to understand for a higher level of success with supervisors is because of its unique nature. While the individual exhibiting nonverbal communication may be focused on her verbal communication, Dr. David B. Givens notes this is not the case for the audience being addressed “When we speak, our attention is focused on words rather than body language. But our judgment includes both. The audience is simultaneously processing both verbal and nonverbal cues” (Body 51).
There are some kinds of nonverbal communication which can be practiced for optimal success with supervisors. For example, the handshake is a common greeting a...