Who's the Boss in Your Restaurant?

Picture a man leaning back in a chair, fingers laced behind his head, one foot on the desk. What do you think his body language is communicating? (If that man was me, I'd be communicating a nap!) To many, the man appears to be relaxed when in fact, he is communicating dominance. The foot on the desk conveys ownership or territoriality (kind of like a dog marking a fire hydrant).

If this man isn't the boss, he's someone his co-workers need to look out for, say authors Gerald I. Nierenberg and Henry H. Calero. In their book, How to Read a Person Like a Book, Nierenberg and Calero studied the meaning of non-verbal communication in business. They found many gestures that appear to be casual are actually signs of aggression or superiority. Such gestures may also include straddling a chair or sitting with one leg over the arm of a chair. (Please, not in loose fitting shorts! Keep the mouse in his house!)

Who seems overly casual in your workplace? Is it the GM? (AKA "The Big Silverback") A co-worker who rubs others the wrong way? A junior manager who likes to challenge authority? If a junior manager (AKA "The Little Silverback") uses such gestures (like beating his not-so-hairy chest) it may only be when the GM isn't around. When the boss happens by, this particular manager may suddenly snap to attention.

Notice the non-verbal communication in your restaurant, but don't assume from a single gesture that someone is communicating dominance or aggression. A particular gesture may be a habit or may have an entirely different meaning for the person making it (although some gestures only mean what they mean, know what I mean?)

Watch for a series of gestures that communicate a similar message (like "Bunt!" or "Steal second!"). Also, note the circumstances in which they are used. Does someone adopt dominance gestures during negotiations or in the presence of certain people? If so, those gestures may be more than just a habit.

Should you employ dominance gestures yourself? In situations with staff members, such gestures may help you convey confidence and authority. However, if you wouldn't verbally challenge your superiors, don't challenge them non-verbally either unless you're prepared to face the consequences, and have an updated resume to post.

Written by Brian Bruce  Brought to you by www.RestaurantManagerRescue.com