People form opinions about you based on dozens of small interactions. They remember those quick hallway chats and observe how you respond under pressure. While people will think what they want about you, you have more influence over those impressions than you may believe.

Anne-Maartje Oud, a behavior and communication expert, says it comes down to making sure that your behaviors align with who you are and what goals you’re working toward. And if you lead a team, your behavior is especially important. Your actions often determine how much trust your team puts in you.

How can you be more deliberate in shaping how others see you? Read on. In this issue of PromoPro Daily, we share some of Oud’s points to keep in mind.

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  1. Are you present? Ask yourself whether you truly prepare or just show up to meetings. Also, consider your actions. For example, are you glancing at your phone or staring out a window when someone is speaking? Oud says you can keep the conversation active by picking up on a specific point, responding to it and adding a question or next step so it does not lose direction.

  2. What is your body language? People continuously read your nonverbal behavior and use it to decide how to position themselves towards you, Oud says. When you fidget, avoid eye contact or make yourself physically smaller, others may hesitate to rely on you or see you as confident. Balance is key. Use an upright posture and calm and deliberate gestures.

  3. How do you treat others? According to Oud, how you talk about others when they are not present is one of the strongest culture signals. If you regularly speak constructively about colleagues, you build trust. If you complain without addressing the issue directly with the person involved, people assume you might do the same to them.

  4. Are you all about work? People may think you’re disinterested if you’re regularly hard to reach or always appear rushed. However, if you stop to say hello in the hallway and stay present in informal moments, Oud says people are likelier to find it easier to connect with you.

  5. Are you consistent? For example, if you prioritize quality but accept rushed work, you’re not really holding true to your belief. If you’re inconsistent, Oud says people start adjusting their view of your trustworthiness. Over time, this determines whether others take your words at face value or wait to see what you actually do.

  6. Do you ask questions? When you ask questions, Oud says people see that you are engaged and actively trying to understand what is happening around you. They signal that you take other perspectives seriously, which strengthens collaboration. If you stay silent, others may interpret that as disinterest or assume you already think you have the answers. It can create distance, as colleagues may be less likely to involve you in discussions or decisions. 

Ask yourself the questions above. For example, consider if you’re truly present in conversations and if you make time for those around you. When your actions match your intentions, people are more likely to perceive you as trustworthy and someone they enjoy working with.

Compiled by Audrey Sellers
Source: Anne-Maartje Oud is a behavior and communication expert who contributes to SmartBrief.