The current buzz word "thought leader" captures clout for those who stand out in the industry. But for years in other organizations or communities, we've used other clichés to identify those who think well: "He's fast on his feet" or "She has a clear head on her shoulders."
Leaders look to hire, promote, and listen to those who think clearly and communicate well.
But what if you're naturally quiet and slow to speak up in a crowd? Can you still convey the same sense of being an astute, clear thinker as your more outgoing colleagues?
Angela Ahrendts, senior vice president of Apple Retail and a Top 50 Influencer on LinkedIn, summed up the situation when she posted this comment: "When I ask these questions in a 60-minute job interview, I'm actually studying how you think." She went on to write about assessing how applicants think when they have no idea that's the point.
Here are 10 ways you reveal what's going on inside your head -- some of them without saying a word:
- Posture: Your posture screams louder than your words to tell others how you feel about them, about yourself, and about the topic. Slouched shoulders, caved chest, leaning to the side -- say either I'm uninterested in the topic, unsure of my message, nervous about this conversation, or afraid to talk to you. A rigid torso and awkward gestures say you're unsure about your message and/or nervous to be around the person. On the other hand, a confident posture (shoulders back, but relaxed; feet in the "ready" position; natural hand gestures) communicates interest in the ideas you're delivering.