How to Make Yourself More Powerful at Work

Are you a person who gets things done?

Not just your daily "to do" list of picking up the dry cleaning, attending a meeting or hitting the gym. But do you get things done when others are opposing you?

The key to that question may be in determining how you are seen by others. Are you giving off nonverbal cues that make you seem strong -- or weak? 

For example, tilting your head or looking down means you're giving away your power, says Jeffrey Pfeffer, a professor of organizational behavior at Stanford's Graduate School of Business. 

But, when you look someone in the eye, stand tall instead of hunching and take up some space with expansive, forceful gestures, then you are seen as having more power, he says.

You also are seen as more powerful if you refuse to be interrupted, using simple, forceful language and employing vivid words and descriptions, Pfeffer says.

"You don't want to use filler words and you don't want to use, to the extent possible, 'ums' or 'ahs' or anything like that," he adds.

It's also important to consider how your emotions are contagious. Research finds that when you smile at someone, they smile back. Or if you frown, then others are more likely to frown. So, if your energy is upbeat and confident, others will mirror those emotions. "You don't want to say, 'I think there may be some chance that our new venture might succeed.' You want to say, 'we are going to succeed and there's no question about it,'" he explains.

While some may feel that speaking confidently or powerfully is only for certain people, Pfeffer urges everyone to learn to use such methods to advance their careers.  He says it's important to think about how you're conveying yourself through your dress, your mannerisms and your speech.

By simplifying your approach in verbal and nonverbal areas, you can focus on using methods that will boost your power in the eyes of others.