Yes, this sounds like another post I wrote recently but with a twist. Read on.
I love spy novels! One of the abilities that the good spy’s (at least the ones in novels) have is the ability to read micro expressions. Is the other person telling the truth or not?
This is not a novelist fantasy. There seems to be an actual science behind the idea of micro expressions. Following is the official definition:
Micro expressions are the rapid movements of facial muscles which show underlying emotions.
There are seven universal micro expressions:
- Disgust
- Anger
- Fear
- Sadness
- Happiness
- Surprise, and
- Contempt
In my last Monday post, Dr. Hank Weisinger talks about using your own micro expressions to make a better decision. Can you also use them to become a better leader?
There is a great difference between managing and leading. Managing, at its best is:
- guiding,
- teaching,
- instructing
Its purpose is to get things done in the most efficient way possible. Our corporations couldn’t survive without good management.
Leading is different. Leading is aligning peoples’ passions and personal growth ambitions with the company goals. If you’re good at seeing micro expressions, you can become a better leader.
One of my more painful moments in my work is watching good managers try to lead by managing more. The leader/manager ignores the expression of contempt that crosses the others face. Sometimes they seem to be unaware. Most of the time they’re taught or encouraged by their manager/leader to ignore it and keep managing. They believe that good leadership is driving people to work harder.
Good leaders help people tap into their own passion to achieve alignment with team goals. Good leaders pick up on the fear, sadness or happiness that crosses the person’s face. If they’re seeing anything but happiness, they’re asking questions and listening. When goals align with passions, happiness is obvious.
Good spy’s notice things that others miss. Good leaders see things that managers don’t. Moving beyond a good manager to a good leader is difficult. Micro expressions may help.
