On doctor’s advice, I endeavor to allocate some time for an occasional stretch and stroll in between my working hours…also because the employment law in my country entitles me a health break!
In my view, in taking time to stretch and carry oneself there are a few things to consider so that the experience is worthwhile for your day to day business in the workplace.
I share the following as my humble views;
1. The organization expects actors to carry themselves in a certain way as they represent it in one way or the other. Imagine dragging yourself around the workplace as though you have just completed a sprint? While it may be expected on the race track, it may not auger well in the workplace.
Even for those whose jobs entail heavy lifting, there are mechanisms that organizations put in place either by internal policy, regulation or both, such as mandatory time off from work to ensure adequate recovery. For example, pilots can only fly a certain number of hours at a time, after which they will not be permitted before taking a break and a pregnant air hostess will be obliged to take a break from flight operations and at one point.
The summation is that actors are supposed to carry themselves in such a way that they represent readiness to energetically execute their duties. One way of ensuring this is consciously practicing movement in a manner that exudes that readiness. Chin up, shoulders high, back straight, arms by your side with a subtle swing and watch your step!
2. The process is good exercise and keeps you healthy. It is rejuvenating and makes you appear approachable to colleagues as you have an aura of readiness for work, consultation and collaboration. Remember, non verbal messaging is a powerful tool if used correctly.
3. The way you carry yourself is a sign of the levels of self confidence that you have. It gives a sense of, “ I have a decent idea of who I am and where I am going”. Ever wondered why some interview checklists have an item called “general appearance and disposition”? The posture with which you enter the interview room and take your seat is something the panel may pay close attention to! They are asking themselves how much you want this just by the way you carry yourself in those few seconds!
There is probably a lot to share about carrying oneself in the workplace and I would like to learn from colleagues what other techniques we can use to keep healthy and send the right message to our fellow organizational actors and indeed third parties.
Let’s share!
