The body can communicate outwards by showing signals. Communication means creating an outward expression of feelings and thoughts; it is widely known as a verbal, i.e. linguistic form of expression. Body communication reveals internal processes outwardly not only via facial expressions, gestures and body posture but also through signals such as reddening of the skin and inner body signals such as pain, tightness, tweaks and mental images. Body communication therefore goes way beyond talking and the ‘body language’ that is familiar to many.
Body communication as a human reaction to disruptions
We know about the irritated way the body reacts to, say, disruptions in one’s environment from the observation and supporting processes that we have carried out with directors and heads of group companies, businesses, but also medium-sized chambers, practices and societies. We have made similar observations in team development and team building activities. Disturbance patterns that were revealed through body communication and reflected the reaction to internal company conflicts were even in evidence at indoor/outdoor events and workshops.
Recognising body communication
We know that picking up on body signals can prevent disturbance-related illnesses. Doing so also provides you with information that you can use to develop actions offering the body relief in disturbance situations. Everyone reacts to external influences regardless of where they are. The body reacts in your private life as well as at work. This reaction involves both body language and the signals the body sends, such as reddening of the skin, twitches, pain and difficulties with your vision.
Making companies aware of body communication
Dealing with problems, conflicts and disruptions logically runs in parallel with the way our body reacts. The language of rationality is closer to most people than the emotional and feeling-based language communicated via the body. Being able to recognise and correctly interpret information at this level is a good thing even after the intervention of team building sessions, management coaching activities, indoor and outdoor events, consulting for team leaders, etc. Interpreting these signals is very important for a company both within and beyond human resources. Coaching sessions with management boards have shown that interpreting these body language signals can prevent situations from escalating, even at the highest level. Interpreting signals reduces susceptibility to symptoms in difficult, stressful and confrontational environments, and this is integrated into the company. This knowledge can then be shared with employees in a team seminar. Stress-related symptoms, i.e. illnesses, occur when signals go unnoticed. Failing to register body communication thus also means risking the reinforcement of the signals in the form of pressure and stress-related illnesses.