Mimic Your Boss’s Body Language To Build Rapport And Get Ahead

Mimic Your Boss’s Body Language To Build Rapport And Get Ahead

To build a relationship with your superiors at work and have a better chance of moving up the ladder, try mirroring their mannerisms, says LearnVest. In other words: monkey see, monkey do.

As the site reports:

According to a study out of Duke University, subtle forms of mimicry can prove useful when you’re trying to win someone over. It’s known as the “chameleon effect” because, in the same way that a chameleon changes the colour of its skin to match the environment, people can change behaviours and mannerisms to mirror the person who they’re interacting with. Plus, another study from Nijmegen University in the Netherlands reveals that mimicry increases rapport — and your chances of getting what you want.

Imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery, but the LearnVest team is quick to add that this mimicry needs to be subtle and you need to choose your timing well. Trying to mirror your boss when he’s mad at you will backfire, so make sure it’s the right person at the right time.

How To Finally Get Ahead At Work [LearnVest via The Daily Muse]


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