We know it from sports: “You can recognize winners at the start – losers too.” What is the reason for this and what exactly makes the difference?
Animals show their powerful presence by opening their posture – showing big and broad gestures. Humans intuitively do the same when they feel powerful and present. We can also use this intuitive repertoire of expressive gestures in reverse: We first adopt a powerful gesture and … the inner posture follows our expression!
- Our posture influences our thinking.
- Our thinking influences our behavior.
- And our behavior changes the result!
In my leadership coaching sessions, I often work with participants on their own “appearance”:
50% posture like John Wayne and 50% posture like Wonder Woman. Excuse me? Yes, a straight, hip-width stance with both feet firmly on the ground. With the arms a wide gesture – taking more space for yourself – spreading yourself energetically. Everyone has it in their own hands, in gestures, in body language, to be confident and convincing!
Our counterpart observes and reacts to our body language – but the most important audience for our body language are we ourselves!
- Conclusion: 2 minutes. Focused in private. Powerful posture. That’s all! This already changes our inner attitude!
- Fake it until you make it? No!
- Fake it, until YOU ARE it!
PS: What gesture do blind people from birth make when they are asked for a “winning pose” in sports – although they have never seen it? They stretch their arms up in the air to form a “V”! Incredible, isn’t it!
