41–50 of 114 posts
Nice writeup. Interesting to see quite a few of those from buffer covering some interesting research into stuff that affects our lives. there's little typo in 'Our nonverbals gove(r)n' though...
When I saw the word "than" used in place of "then," my estimation of the author plummeted, even though I agree with most of the article.
Earlier quoted context omitted.
But isn't giving respect low-power? If you're the alpha, others give you respect, and you do as you please. I'm exaggerating, obviously, but respect is a form of deference. Deference is low-power.
I know what you mean, but given the context of a job interview, by definition[1] you are in a lower power position. I agree with sibling comments, though, that respectfulness is not mutually exclusive with alpha -ness. And if in general you are a respectful person, a high-power posture will probably not impact their opinion of your respectfulness too much. [1] Assuming you really want the job and unless you are a hot…
The power dynamics depends a lot on the specific market conditions at a given point in time. If demand is low and supply is high, you do have a power disadvantage, but its just as possible to see the reverse where the employer is at a disadvantage.
The typical HN reader is more likely to be familiar with the latter than the former. Not because we are all hot shots, but because our industry is presently in high demand and has a low supply of labour.
First, what does it mean that these poses, these concepts ("power" as the desirable mode of relating to your coworkers for example) and even the key hormone we are meant to incite are so gendered? The poses are more essentially masculine than they are powerful. Have you ever seen a woman naturally with in the arm-around-the-chair pose, hips slunk forward and chest back? It would look quite unusual I think. As an employer, I'm not sure I want to select for testosterone (and I don't think I have so far). But maybe there is more to it.
Second, does it matter that attention is zero-sum? I would suggest that to ve convincing the author doesn't need to merely argue that body language manipulation is helpful, but that it is more helpful than, say, listening carefully, or preparing that much more for an interview, or even studying and thinking about human psychology more directly. You can only keep track of so many dimensions at once, and I'm not sold on the idea that I would benefit from privileging this dimension. Maybe I would, but that case hasn't been made for me yet.
Earlier quoted context omitted.
But isn't giving respect low-power? If you're the alpha, others give you respect, and you do as you please. I'm exaggerating, obviously, but respect is a form of deference. Deference is low-power.
I know what you mean, but given the context of a job interview, by definition[1] you are in a lower power position. I agree with sibling comments, though, that respectfulness is not mutually exclusive with alpha -ness. And if in general you are a respectful person, a high-power posture will probably not impact their opinion of your respectfulness too much. [1] Assuming you really want the job and unless you are a hot…
The fun part is watching people actually try to control their body language in reality. You can try, but if you aren't feeling what that "power pose" is broadcasting, you'll just look like an idiot to anyone even remotely paying attention. You aren't going to gain leadership by leaning back and spread eagling in a business meeting. You're going to gain it by being an actual leader and doing stuff that adds value to a…
However, when dealing with people who don't know you, you can easily fake being important or nobody, for a short period of time. This is not always useful, and could backfire (especially if you are "elevating" your power), but I've found some limited scenarios where altered first impression gives you an edge.
This is great stuff as long as you like people who breath their own exhaust. As soon as you encounter someone who is not speaking the same language, there will be great confusion. Usually, this means anyone from outside of MBA/Marketing/ or other art-of-BS type disciplines.
Earlier quoted context omitted.
Good point. For example, I tend to lean forward (with forearms on the table) out of respect. It shows I'm interested but I can see how it could be misconstrued as a nervousness, or 'low-power'.
But isn't giving respect low-power? If you're the alpha, others give you respect, and you do as you please. I'm exaggerating, obviously, but respect is a form of deference. Deference is low-power.
In any case I think this alpha-male theory is pop evolutionary psychology that plays on the minds of insecure men.