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
We all believe we can pick up on some of these clues in others. People who are good actors have learned to express these facial emotions as well. I’m impressed by that actor who, without words, can express that message of fear or contempt or disgust. But, the idea of micro expressions is that they happen quickly and we don’t have the ability to conceal them.
But here’s the bigger question. Do we have the ability to conceal our own micro expressions from ourselves? Or do we ever take the time to learn from our own micro expressions?
Dr. Hank Weisinger co-authored the book Performing Under Pressure. On his blog he discusses making better decisions.
WATCH YOUR FACIAL EXPRESSIONS
Use your facial expressions when making an important decision. Emotions are directly linked to facial expressions. Before an important decision, stand in front of a mirror and think of the decision you are to make. Does your face show fear, anger, happiness, anxiety? If your face does not look happy or satisfied when you think about the decision you are to make, you better think twice, because you will be ignoring your instincts.
Dr. Weisinger is not talking about being a good spy to understand other people. He’s saying look in the mirror. What do you see? Are your own micro expressions revealing what your emotions?
Corporations have promoted the idea that decisions must be rational and fact-based. That’s true, but brain science is telling us that we make decisions based on our values and emotions. We then justify decisions based on rational facts (at least the ones we chose to support our beliefs).
Would you make a good spy? Do you even understand yourself? Get to know your micro expressions. Pay attention to your emotions. Your decisions are not separated from your emotions. They’re all tied up together. You make better decisions when you include them in the process.
