Ban the corporate scowl! Throw in a little unexpected response

Have you ever noticed that most people are most compelling when they smile and talk animatedly about something so that their eyes shine brightly?

So why do we sit through hundreds of business meetings where the popular and "true serious professional" posture is a downright scowl?  I'll bet you've seen it: someone tipped back on two hind legs of a chair, arms folded (across top of stomach), looking skeptical, bored, critical.  Then comes the smart sounding question.  Head shakes ever so slightly at the response with a raised eyebrow and perhaps making a little note on a paper pad. Implying exquisitely through body language the weakness in the speaker's thinking.  After the answer is finished, sitting in silence (meaning, the speaker might have said something halfway intelligent) or shooting back a critique (no doubt prepared well before crafting the question to fit it).

What on earth do we possibly expect from these interactions?!  When you leave these meetings, do you feel compelled to action?  What action?  A drink, a jog, a shower to wash away the political, "acting like a manager" dust? (I tried all three remedies before I finally decided on a new way.)

It's a risk to participate in a meeting with enthusiasm and animation.  But that's the only way to show yourself and compel others to join in positively.  As employees, why do we accept silly, stuffy, play-acting meeting behavior?  Let's just be silly or stuffy if that is authentically us. I find it much more rewarding when I throw in a comment and another person says, "Hey, now that's something I hadn't thought of!"

Each of us owns these little interactions and interjections.  With them, we can change the entire tone of a dialogue and actions that follow.  Don't we owe it to ourselves to ensure our time is used for more than a corporate scowl?

Comments

[Mom]

Jill, Is this you writing? I like this bold style of "laying it on the line". It's very interesting and to the point. It just does not sound like your past style. You not only are telling people to speak up you are doing it yourself. Love, MOM

[Mr. Ness]

Dogs growl (their equivalent of a corporate scowl) for two reasons: to give notice they are uncomfortable or afraid. I think corporate scowlers are no different. They lack knowledge and/or confidence so they try to cover with mock dominance. Why are so many people in business put in situations where they are not comfortable enough to be energetic and sparkly-eyed? I wish I had the answer. As to how to approach a scowler, well, you're supposed to let a growling dog sniff the back of your hand ... not sure how well that would translate to the conference room!