Invisible Walls That Influence Us At Workplace

🙋‍♀️ Have you ever felt irritated by someone who hasn’t even spoken to you? Or felt annoyed by someone you are meeting for the first time, even though they haven’t said a word? This reaction is due to our primal territorial instincts 🧠. Even today, we walk around with three invisible boundaries (walls) that influence our feelings and behavior:

🟢 Outer Wall: The business zone 💼 — where formal interactions should take place, like in workplaces.
🟡 Middle Wall: The personal zone 🤝 — reserved for friends and colleagues.
🔴 Inner Wall: The intimate zone ❤️ — for family and loved ones.

❗ Why does this matter? If we don’t respect these boundaries, especially when meeting new people, they may feel their space is being invaded, leading to discomfort 😕 and even dislike.

Understanding these walls not only enhances our interactions but also promotes empathy. By recognizing how our actions can be perceived, we can adjust our behaviors to create a more welcoming atmosphere. This awareness allows us to connect with others on a deeper level and fosters stronger relationships.

The Importance of Awareness
By being aware of these boundaries, we can cultivate an environment of trust and respect. This not only improves our professional relationships but also enriches our personal connections. When we practice respecting boundaries, we show others that we value their comfort and individuality, which can lead to stronger, more meaningful relationships.

Moreover, in an increasingly globalized world, we encounter diverse cultures and backgrounds. Different cultures may have varying interpretations of personal space and boundaries. Therefore, it’s crucial to remain adaptable and observant, learning to read the room and adjusting our interactions accordingly.

Practical Applications
In practice, this means taking the time to understand your audience—whether in a professional meeting, social gathering, or casual conversation. Listening actively and being aware of others' comfort levels can significantly enhance your interactions. Here are some practical tips to keep in mind:

Start with a Friendly Gesture: A warm smile or a polite nod can go a long way in breaking the ice.
Adjust Your Proximity: Pay attention to how close you are standing to someone. If they take a step back, follow their lead and respect their space.
Be Patient and Observant: Take your time to gauge the other person's comfort level before engaging in deeper conversations.
By implementing these strategies, you can foster an environment where everyone feels comfortable and respected.

I had the opportunity to present this concept at Brocamp Chennai 🎤, and it was an absolute pleasure 🙌. Engaging with participants and hearing their perspectives made me realize how crucial it is to raise awareness around this topic. I hope everyone can follow these guidelines to make others feel comfortable and at ease 😊.

📝 Check out the PDF 📑 to learn more and apply these insights to your interactions!

1. Brocamp Chennai - Commi n Session - Septembe

Invisible Walls

Body Language Basics At Work

Sathish Kumar Baskaran

2. Introduction

Body Language: Non-Verbal Communication

+ Enhances Communication
« Improves Relationships
+ Reveals Emotions & Intentions

3. Key Aspects
of Body
Language

Understanding these cues is especially valuable in
the workplace for enhancing communication,
building rapport, and creating a positive
environment.

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Ss
Ss
à
5
2
=
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a
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Brocamp Chennai

06. Proxemics

Proxemics: Personal Space

+ Reveals intimacy or formality
+ Too close = invasive
« Too far = detached

5. Invisible
Walls

Invisible Walls

+ Territorial instincts: feeling invaded
+ Primitive responses remain

+ In business, respect personal space
+ Everyone walks with 3 invisible walls

Brocamp Chennai

September 26, 2024

6. Outer Wall

Business Zone

+ 2 Meters (6 feet)
+ Comfortable to do business

Communication Ses:

7. Brocamp Chennai - September 26, 2024

Middle Wall

Personal Zone

+ 1.25 Meters(2 - 4 Feet)
+ People you know and tru

8. Inner Wall

Intimate Zone
+ 30 to 60 Centimeters
+ Family and loved ones
|

!

9. Brocamp Chennai - September 26, 2024

Final reflections
and future steps

+ Body Language & Emotional Intelligence
o Reading body language = Emotional
intelligence
o Equally important as intellect
o Women generally score higher than men

« Using Invisible Walls
o Navigate personal space wisely

10. Brocamp Chennai Communication Session September 26, 2024

Thank You