Power body language is a form of dominant body language but also has a rescue/hero aspect to it as well. People who use power body language on a regular basis are those who are in a position of authority or like to act as if they are. It can be a spouse or partner that tries to remain the power center in a relationship that uses power body language. If a person appears to always have control over your time and space, they are more then likely exhibiting a lot of power play body language, and is one way they have achieved this power over you.
In the business world power is exhibited and acknowledge by the employees starting from the company parking lot. Those in positions of power always have the reserved and best parking spots. This is the beginning of dominating space and exhibiting ones status over another. They display their position and status from the car they drive to the size of the office they sit in, with a door that they can close to allow them the power to select when they want to deal with the hired help. They will take extended lunches, however have the hired help punch in and out to ensure they do not overextend the designated time given.
Power handshakes are one way a person will demonstrate their power over another. Upon greeting, someone they feel is of lesser status then they are, the power player will give a firm handshake, draw the person in physically, grip the elbow of the arm they are shaking with opposite hand and hold the shake longer then a normal shake.
If you want to counteract a power handshake, offer a limp, weak grip. As an extended handshake can make one feel uncomfortable, when exerting a power handshake and receiving a weak limp grip in return, the uncomfortable feeling is turned is turned back on the power player.
Power players will hold a gaze longer then normal, another way of making the receiver feel uneasy. Although the gaze is not threatening, it is just enough to make the receiver squirm a bit. Counteraction for a power gaze, just look away.
Do not fall for the power play and get into a stare down. Breaking the gaze yourself gives you back your personal power. Power players will also dictate where another will sit, either by pulling out a chair for you with a gesture to sit, or gesturing with their hand towards a seat when offering you a chair. Whenever possible, if you want to counteract the power play, choose where and how you will sit before being directed.
If you are meeting a person who is known for power plays, go early and get your seat first. Power players are great at making another wait on them. If there is a planned meeting, you can bet the power player will make everyone wait on them. Other common traits of power body language are invasion of personal space by standing close to another, touching while speaking such as putting a hand on another's shoulder, and an aggressive walk.
In the business world power is exhibited and acknowledge by the employees starting from the company parking lot. Those in positions of power always have the reserved and best parking spots. This is the beginning of dominating space and exhibiting ones status over another. They display their position and status from the car they drive to the size of the office they sit in, with a door that they can close to allow them the power to select when they want to deal with the hired help. They will take extended lunches, however have the hired help punch in and out to ensure they do not overextend the designated time given.
Power handshakes are one way a person will demonstrate their power over another. Upon greeting, someone they feel is of lesser status then they are, the power player will give a firm handshake, draw the person in physically, grip the elbow of the arm they are shaking with opposite hand and hold the shake longer then a normal shake.
If you want to counteract a power handshake, offer a limp, weak grip. As an extended handshake can make one feel uncomfortable, when exerting a power handshake and receiving a weak limp grip in return, the uncomfortable feeling is turned is turned back on the power player.
Power players will hold a gaze longer then normal, another way of making the receiver feel uneasy. Although the gaze is not threatening, it is just enough to make the receiver squirm a bit. Counteraction for a power gaze, just look away.
Do not fall for the power play and get into a stare down. Breaking the gaze yourself gives you back your personal power. Power players will also dictate where another will sit, either by pulling out a chair for you with a gesture to sit, or gesturing with their hand towards a seat when offering you a chair. Whenever possible, if you want to counteract the power play, choose where and how you will sit before being directed.
If you are meeting a person who is known for power plays, go early and get your seat first. Power players are great at making another wait on them. If there is a planned meeting, you can bet the power player will make everyone wait on them. Other common traits of power body language are invasion of personal space by standing close to another, touching while speaking such as putting a hand on another's shoulder, and an aggressive walk.
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