THE SPIRIT MOVES
Nonverbal communication is an important yet often overlooked factor in the effectiveness of leaders.
Leaders must not only understand the various nonverbal channels but also correctly send and receive nonverbal signals. Much of what is communicated nonverbally depends on context, especially in cross-cultural situations.
Though the six emotions of happiness, sadness, anger, fear, surprise, and disgust are recognizable across cultures, some nonverbal habits and expressions may mean different things in different cultures.
Finally, if leaders approach others genuinely and authentically, their nonverbal communication can be of great value. If, however, leaders' main motivation is to seek personal gain, their nonverbal communication is likely to hurt their trustworthiness and credibility in the eyes of their followers. As Einstein stated, “All means prove but a blunt instrument, if they have not behind them a living spirit.”