Open Stances vs. Closed Stances

The problem of physical barriers

In interaction, we can fundamentally adopt two types of physiology: open or closed.

A closed posture acts as a physical and psychological barrier between you and your interlocutor.

Imagine talking to someone who adopts a closed physiology: arms crossed, legs crossed, body leaning backwards.

Depending on the accompanying facial expression, this posture can be interpreted as aggressiveness, lack of openness to discussion, or insecurity and lack of confidence.

Barriers are not always our own body.

Sometimes people create barriers using objects: they hide behind a lectern during a presentation, or a colleague hides behind his computer screen.

These gestures do not send a signal of openness or trust, but of protection.

The Attention Barrier (Computer and Cell Phone)

A very common and damaging barrier in the modern work environment is the lack of attention.

If you are a manager and a colleague approaches you to ask a question, but you continue to type an email or look at a file while talking to them, you are creating a barrier.

Even though you verbally tell him "I'm listening to you," your physiology (body facing the screen) is sending a contradictory signal.

You are communicating that the task at hand is more important than the person in front of you. If he is really busy, it is better to ask him to come back later.

If you decide to spend time with him, you should stop what you are doing, turn your body (and your feet) to face him and give him your full attention.

The Power of Open Physiology (Honesty)

Adopting an open physiology actively encourages dialogue and connection. People who do this send a clear signal of honesty and make it clear that they have nothing to hide.

Think about the difference: talking to someone who has their arms open, perhaps leans slightly toward you and looks you in the eye.

This posture clearly demonstrates that the person is interested and engaged in the conversation, as there is no barrier between you.

Great public speakers, for example, rarely hide behind a lectern.

They use the entire stage, use their body and clearly show their hands, often with palms up, to show honesty and gain the audience's trust.

You can apply this same principle to any interaction: remove any physical or material barriers between you and the person in front of you.

Summary

In interaction, we can adopt essentially two types of physiology: open or closed. A closed posture acts as a physical and psychological barrier between you and your interlocutor.

Barriers are not always our own body. Sometimes people create barriers by using objects, such as hiding behind a lectern or computer screen.

Adopting an open physiology actively encourages dialogue and connection. It sends a clear signal of honesty and makes it clear that they have nothing to hide.