Deck 13: Nonverbal Communication at Work

Question 1

Tell the messages sent by where you are physically located in an organization.

Answer 1

The messages sent by where you are physically located in an organization can be quite significant, as they often convey non-verbal cues about your status, role, and the nature of your work within the organization. Here are some of the messages that can be communicated by your physical location:

1. **Hierarchy and Status**: If you have an office that is large, well-furnished, and has a view, it might indicate a higher status within the organization. Being on the top floor or in a corner office can also be a sign of seniority or importance.

2. **Accessibility and Openness**: If your workspace is easily accessible to others, it might suggest that you are approachable and open to collaboration. On the other hand, a location that is more secluded or behind security could imply a need for confidentiality or a focus on individual work.

3. **Team Membership**: Being physically located with a particular team can indicate that you are a part of that group and collaborate closely with them. It can also facilitate better communication and teamwork.

4. **Departmental Association**: Your location within a specific department can signal your role and function within the organization. For example, being situated within the IT department can indicate that your work is related to technology.

5. **Company Culture**: An organization with an open floor plan might be conveying a message of transparency and a flat hierarchy, while individual offices could suggest a more traditional or formal structure.

6. **Personalization**: The degree to which you are allowed to personalize your space can communicate the organization's values regarding individual expression and comfort.

7. **Resource Allocation**: The quality and newness of the furniture and equipment in your location can indicate the resources that the organization is willing to invest in your role or department.

8. **Visibility**: Being in a location where you are seen by executives or important clients can suggest that your work is of particular significance to the organization.

9. **Proximity to Key Areas**: Being close to essential facilities like meeting rooms, the executive suite, or the production floor can indicate your involvement in core activities or decision-making processes.

10. **Flexibility**: If you are in a hot-desking environment or have a mobile workstation, it might suggest that the organization values flexibility and agility.

It's important to note that these messages can vary widely depending on the specific culture and values of an organization. Additionally, the interpretation of these messages can be subjective and influenced by individual perceptions.

Question 2

Tell the impacts of color in the work environment.

Answer 2

The impacts of color in the work environment can be significant. Different colors can affect mood, productivity, and even physical well-being. For example, blue is often associated with calmness and productivity, making it a good choice for office spaces. Green is linked to feelings of tranquility and can help reduce stress. Yellow is known for its energizing and uplifting qualities, while red can increase heart rate and stimulate excitement.

It's important to consider the specific needs and goals of the work environment when choosing colors. For example, a creative space may benefit from vibrant and stimulating colors, while a more focused and detail-oriented environment may benefit from calming and soothing tones.

In addition to affecting mood and productivity, color can also impact physical comfort. For example, warm colors like red and orange can make a space feel warmer, while cool colors like blue and green can create a sense of coolness.

Overall, the impacts of color in the work environment are diverse and can have a significant effect on the overall atmosphere and effectiveness of the space. It's important to carefully consider the psychological and physiological effects of color when designing a work environment.

Question 3

Tell the impacts of lighting in a work environment.

Answer 3

The impact of lighting in a work environment is significant and can affect various aspects of employee well-being and productivity.

Proper lighting can improve visibility and reduce eye strain, leading to increased comfort and reduced fatigue among employees. It can also enhance safety by reducing the risk of accidents and injuries.

Additionally, good lighting can positively impact mood and mental health, leading to higher job satisfaction and overall well-being. On the other hand, poor lighting can lead to headaches, irritability, and decreased concentration, which can ultimately affect productivity and performance.

Furthermore, the type of lighting used can also impact the overall atmosphere of the work environment. Natural light has been shown to have numerous benefits, including boosting mood and energy levels, while harsh fluorescent lighting can have the opposite effect.

In conclusion, the impact of lighting in a work environment is multifaceted and can significantly influence employee well-being, safety, and productivity. Therefore, it is important for employers to prioritize proper lighting in the workplace.

Question 4

Tell the rules you should learn about administrative assistants/secretaries in an organization.

Question 5

Tell the things you should know about setting up your territory in the workplace.

Question 6

Tell the things that specific table shapes communicate.

Question 7

Tell the positive factors of touch in the workplace.

Question 8

Tell the negative factors of touch in the workplace.

Question 9

Tell the ways we use kinesic behaviors to communicate in the workplace.

Question 10

Tell the positive kinesic behaviors in the workplace.

Question 11

Tell the negative kinesic behaviors in the workplace.

Question 12

Tell the positive vocalic behaviors in the workplace.

Question 13

Tell the negative vocalic behaviors in the workplace.

Question 14

Tell the rules about physical appearance in the workplace.

Question 15

Tell the messages sent by a specific body shape in the workplace.

Question 16

Tell the nonverbal behaviors you should use to appear as a leader.

Question 17

Tell the positive nonverbal behaviors for teachers in the classroom.

Question 18

Tell the negative nonverbal behaviors for teachers in the classroom.

Question 19

Tell the positive nonverbal behaviors for a businessperson in a work environment.

Question 20

Tell the negative nonverbal behaviors for a businessperson in a work environment.

Question 21

Tell the indicators of a credible leader in the work environment.

Question 22

Tell the nonverbal factors that help to create issues of sexual harassment in the workplace.

Question 23

Using an example, discuss someone you have seen not heeding the rule of thumb about treating administrative assistants/secretaries with the deference deserved.

Question 24

Using an example, discuss how you have seen someone's office environment communicate to others.

Question 25

Using an example, discuss how you have seen someone's seating choices communicate, telling what was communicated about himself or herself.

Question 26

Using an example, discuss how you have seen someone's kinesic behaviors send a message about someone in the workplace.

Question 27

Using an example, discuss how you have seen someone's vocalic behaviors in the workplace send a message about himself or herself.

Question 28

Using an example, discuss how you have seen an employee's dress affect him or her either negatively or positively.

Question 29

Using an example, discuss how you think you might manage your impression when you enter the workplace.

Question 30

Discuss how a person should nonverbally approach a performance appraisal interview.

Question 31

Using an example, discuss someone you have seen use his/her nonverbal behaviors to appear as a leader in an organization.

Question 32

Using an example, discuss how you have seen a teacher use good nonverbal behaviors in the classroom to create a better learning atmosphere.

Question 33

Using an example, discuss how attorneys use nonverbal communication issues in the courtroom.