Standing tall and holding your ground ............................................
Having a superior position carries with it an implied authority. The same goes
for tall people. They command respect because of their height. Others have
to look up to them and because of their physiological make-up, they look
down on others. Some people don’t feel comfortable with being taller than
others, so they stoop or slouch. They diminish themselves in size and statue,
giving away their authority. Others, who are ‘vertically challenged’, as the
current jargon puts it, have to create an image of height and stature. They do
this by the way they stand and hold their ground.
A person who stands with his feet placed firmly beneath him commands
authority and respect. An upright body, with weight evenly distributed
between the feet, commands respect. People listen to you when your body’s
in this position, looking ready and raring to go. You appear confident and
committed, and your body reflects your energy. Beware of becoming too rigid
and stiff however.
To experience what it feels and looks like to be in control, try this short exer-
cise, practising from both the seated and standing positions.
Visualise another person who is challenging you. This can be at an inter-
view, in a meeting, or at an assessment.Place your feet firmly underneath you, hip width apart.
Maintain flexibility in your knees and ankles to avoid becoming stiff.Keep your head upright and maintain eye contact with the other person.
Let your arms and hands be visible. (Alternatively, if you’re standing,
hold your hands behind your back.)Keep your chest open.
Keep your mouth closed while you’re listening.Inhale from your abdomen. This grounds you, and provides a firm foun-
dation from which you can move, gesture, and position yourself.
Reflect on what you’re going to say before speaking.Remind yourself of how you want to be perceived.
Respond.Stooped shoulders, caved in chests, and hands in the fig leaf position protect-
ing your private bits are protective signals and indicate that someone is sub-
consciously feeling defensive.
Chapter 14: Interviewing, Influencing, and Playing Politics 233