Editor’s Note: This post is by Paul Slezak, Cofounder and CEO of RecruitLoop – the World’s largest marketplace of expert Recruiters and Sourcers available on-demand.
How experienced are you at walking a tightrope? No, not the circus type. I’m talking about business.
Balance is what makes you successful. And I’m not referring to managing your budget.
Business growth requires interaction with people: Clients, employees, business partners and suppliers. Their perceptions of you determine how beneficial the professional relationship will be.
And your body language determines their opinions. But people easily take offence. You don’t even have to intend an insult. The mere hint of one can make someone distrust or dislike you.
How firm should your handshake be? Too firm could communicate aggression. A weak gesture could be taken to mean that you have no confidence. You have to find the balance between the two.
How close do people want you? Standing far away with arms crossed could tell people you don’t want to associate with them. If you get too close, it may make them think you have no respect for personal space.
Can you see the importance of finding balance in your body language and business etiquette?
And don’t forget your eyes. You can’t avoid eye contact, but don’t stare someone down either.
And what do different cultures require in order for you to show respect?
Yes, it’s tricky. But striking a balance is well worth the effort. Check out the tips in this awesome infographic from our friends at Swiss Canadian Capital.
Infographic by Swiss Canadian Capital
With over two decades of experience in the recruitment and human capital industry, Paul Slezak has established himself as a transformative force in the realm of leadership and career coaching, group facilitation, and talent acquisition. His unique perspective, drawn from his early career as a leader in global recruitment firms and his entrepreneurial success with his own start-up, has enabled him to make a significant impact on leaders, teams, and organizations across the world.
Paul's passion for helping others achieve success and high performance is evident in his commitment to transforming leaders and their teams at local, national, and international levels. He specializes in promoting the importance of human-centered intelligence, focusing on soft skills such as authenticity, transparency, and trust to complement business-centered acumen and drive better workplace outcomes.
As an impartial facilitator, Paul brings his expertise to team offsites and strategy days, ensuring alignment on goals, values, and culture while keeping participants on task. His engaging and energetic presence, coupled with his unique "entertraining" and "edutaining" delivery style, enables him to connect with audiences both large and intimate, sharing personal and professional anecdotes that inspire and energize. Author
Paul Slezak
With over two decades of experience in the recruitment and human capital industry, Paul Slezak has established himself as a transformative force in the realm of leadership and career coaching, group facilitation, and talent acquisition. His unique perspective, drawn from his early career as a leader in global recruitment firms and his entrepreneurial success with his own start-up, has enabled him to make a significant impact on leaders, teams, and organizations across the world. Paul's passion for helping others achieve success and high performance is evident in his commitment to transforming leaders and their teams at local, national, and international levels. He specializes in promoting the importance of human-centered intelligence, focusing on soft skills such as authenticity, transparency, and trust to complement business-centered acumen and drive better workplace outcomes. As an impartial facilitator, Paul brings his expertise to team offsites and strategy days, ensuring alignment on goals, values, and culture while keeping participants on task. His engaging and energetic presence, coupled with his unique "entertraining" and "edutaining" delivery style, enables him to connect with audiences both large and intimate, sharing personal and professional anecdotes that inspire and energize.
