What Story Are Your Shoulders Telling?

Communicating without words

As you arrive at work, you see the familiar figure of a valued colleague walking towards you. They haven’t seen you yet, but you can tell immediately, that all is not right in their world. As their focus finds you, their face lights up and their shoulders lift a little. You stop to discuss what’s going on for them and how you can help.

We’re all primally aware that our body language and that of the people around us tell us many things. We’re also aware that our body language changes depending on our health and our mental state.

When was the last time you gave your shoulders credit for their communication skills or considered intentionally making use of their language?

12 Rules For Life

I was lucky enough to be gifted a copy of Jordan Peterson’s book “12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos”, and the first rule is “Stand up straight with your shoulders back.” Now, I’m aware that public opinion on Jordan Peterson is complex and multifaceted. Some see him as a brilliant thinker, a passionate defender of free speech, and a much-needed voice of reason in a world that has become too politically correct. Others as a dangerous and divisive figure — a label that seems to plague anyone who stands up and speaks clearly these days.