When women conform to gender stereotypes and appear nurturing they are not viewed as strong leaders. Studies show that women who are likable are not received as competent and that women who perform well in their jobs are not well liked. This is the double bind and the ultimate conundrum women face in the workforce. It comes from an entrenched place in our society where women who appear too forward risk not being liked and not being liked is a big deal. Much has been made over the past few years about women’s overuse use of “sorry.” It’s a trendy verbal tic that can be used intentionally as a way to deflect seeming too forward or simply dropped into conversation out of habit.īut here’s the thing - this cultural habit to use sorry as a social lubricant is no accident. The language we use over email, in person, and our tendency as women to apologize, can inadvertently diminish our power. But obviously our posture is only part of what we do that impacts how we present to the world. Studies find that how we stand and our overall presence has a huge impact on how we are perceived and even how we feel about ourselves. Shockingly, your body language can affect your physiology.Īlso Read: Beyoncé Is Officially the Queen of Social Media: Makes Around $1 Million Per Post Social psychologist Amy Cuddy, an associate professor at Harvard Business School, became an internet sensation after her 2012 TED Talk on “Power Poses.” Cuddy’s research found that when people make themselves physically big - stretching out, taking up space, putting hands on hips Wonder Woman style - they can raise their testosterone levels, lower anxiety, and temporarily elevate their confidence. A strong pose makes people feel powerful, and it has others see them as powerful. It turns out that posture and presence have a boomerang effect. She is a natural “Power Poser,” and studies find that Beyoncé probably feels pretty awesome standing this way too. Hands on hips, shoulders back, head tilted upwards, she occupies space in a way that communicates confidence and authority. Queen Bey commands attention even standing still - perhaps more so as she stands still. In addition to our verbal language, our body language projects another aura of confidence or lack of it. A glittery halo of Girl Power envelops her - it’s so palpable you feel fierce just witnessing it. Beyonce struts on stage, swagger beaming off her couture bejeweled bodysuit.