Published July 24, 2015

Body Language: Be Respectful, Not Relaxed

When it comes to body language, most people are able to read the potential emotional or mental state of their peers pretty well. But what are you saying with your own body language? This post from FoodService.com explains how body language can either hinder or help you if you’re trying to apply for a job, impress a potential mentor, or simply provide excellent customer service to your diners. The biggest rule explored here? You have to strike a balance between looking confidently relaxed, or arrogantly so.

The most comfortable people to be around are those who have a relaxed body language and air about them, but this post shows that there is a fine line between relaxed, and too relaxed. A cool, confident relaxed body language can signal to someone that you’re content in the position you’re currently in, which can hurt you if you’re applying for a new role higher up on the pay scale. Conversely, looking too relaxed in a meeting by frequently glancing at the clock, doodling on your notepad, or folding your arms over your chest can be taken as a sign of disrespect. Don’t underestimate the power of keeping your body language in check in the right settings.

Read the full article here: Is Your Body Language Limiting Your Opportunities?