The power pose

“As Leonard Cohen wrote,
‘There is a crack in everything; that’s how the light gets in.’ ”
Amy Cuddy – Inside the debate about power posing

The verdict may still be inconclusive according to science, but given the challenges we’ve faced this year and last, we’re going all-in on Amy Cuddy’s theory that powerful poses can help people feel more powerful.

Her 2012 TED Talk on posture and power, one of the most-watched TED Talks ever, has racked up more than 61 million views and plenty of controversy. Her theory is that we can change other people’s perceptions — and perhaps even our own body chemistry — simply by changing body positions.

We know that body language is a critical factor in our ability to influence others, especially for female professionals. In January 2020, we sat in on an unforgettable workshop on gender bias by our thought leader partner Kelly Dozois of Ocean Beach Consulting, an expert on effective communication and influence, at the Talent Development Think Tank. There, leaning back with her hands clasped behind her head and her feet crossed up on a table, she demonstrated how body positions of “big” vs. “small” can immediately communicate confidence and credibility.

Kelly conducted one of our first webinars in 2020 on Breaking Thru Bias™, which is now one of her signature learning experiences. Rewatch it here!

Meanwhile, we’re starting our day with a nod to Wonder Woman, standing tall, hands on hips, with a far-off, hopeful gaze. While that might not actually change our hormone levels, it makes us smile. An added bonus:  We’re one step closer to closing those “stand up” rings on our watch.

One great thing for 04.20.21 – 20-minute TED Talk
Your body language may shape who you are
The TED Talk that started it all. 

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