The Body Doesn’t Lie

Leaders can control their words. But not always what their body says despite them.

That’s often where the real message lands:Not in what is said, but in the eyes, posture, and tension.

Here are 3 subtle nonverbal signs I regularly see in coaching and observation. Small in form — large in impact.

🔹 1. The wandering or evasive gaze. Not always disinterest.Often discomfort — fear of challenge, or emotional overwhelm.

💡 In context: A leader says “I’m listening,” but avoids eye contact. The message feels unclear, even dishonest.

🔹 2. The body folding or turning away. Crossed arms, curled legs, hunched shoulders —The body withdraws when it doesn’t feel safe.

💡 In context: A team member physically withdraws when asked about a mistake. She's no longer emotionally open to dialogue.

🔹 3. Tense jaw or tight lipsOften missed… but signals emotional restraint.The body is trying to contain something unspoken.

💡 In context: A senior executive clenches his jaw throughout a leadership meeting — and explodes two days later. No one saw it coming.

🎯 What do these signals tell us?They’re not “bad.”They’re data. They show us what’s alive — before it’s spoken.

In my work, I don’t correct. I bring awareness.Because that’s where real, embodied leadership begins.

🔹 #EmbodiedLeadership #SilentSignals #BodyLanguageMatters #PresenceInPractice