'Mirroring body language' is a key negotiation technique
Both sides will feel on the same level if they have identical stances
Employees should mirror their adversary's body language as it is
a crucial negotiation technique, according to an expert.
Nick Morgan, president of Public Words, a communications
consulting firm, expressed his belief that negotiators should adopt
a similar seating or standing position as their opponent.
He wrote on forbes.com: "That will send an unconscious message
to the person that you are on an equal level and generally in
agreement with them. They will begin to trust you."
Although many disagreements can be avoided even before verbal
communication has started, certain situations require a different
approach.
Mr Morgan claimed employees should align themselves with the
other side if they become aggressive.
By facing the same way as their abusive adversary, negotiators
show they are heading in the same direction and are adopting a
non-threatening stance.
Mirroring and alignment should not be used obviously as it may
be perceived as patronising, he added.