It’s often the little things that matter the most. <br /> <br />It could be that quick glance at the clock when a meeting drags on, failing to thank someone or folding your arms when a colleague starts talking. But these little ‘micro-behaviours’ say a lot about what we’re thinking - and they send powerful messages to the people around us. <br /> <br />Negative micro-behaviours can be extremely damaging to morale and motivation in the workplace. Here are the five worst offenders. <br /> <br /> <br />1. Looking at your watch <br />Even that quick glance at your watch sends a clear signal that you’d rather be somewhere else. So resist the temptation to time-check and focus on the matter in hand. <br /> <br />2. Checking messages <br />Smartphones and tablets make it easier than ever before to check our messages on the hoof – but it sends a powerful negative signal if we do it in meetings, or when someone is talking to us. So save the mail-check for when you’re back at your desk. <br /> <br />3. Not making eye contact <br />Eye contact shows that you’re interested in and engaged with someone, so looking away says the exact opposite. Think whether your eyes are saying something they shouldn’t. <br /> <br />4. Interrupting <br />Interrupting or talking over someone can make it appear that we don’t value their contribution. If it happens repeatedly to the same person it can be extremely demotivating – so give everyone the same chance to have their say before jumping in. <br /> <br />5. Who are you? <br />We tend to remember names and information about people that we consider to be important to us. Making an effort to remember things about people is a big part of building good working relationships, so take the time to find out about all your colleagues and show an interest in them. <br /> <br /> <br />Micro-behaviours play a big part in shaping our working relationships. Discover the impact of micro-inequities in the workplace and find out how harnessing the power of positive micro-messages can deliver huge benefits for your organisation.
