Top 5 Most damaging micro-behaviours

It’s often the little things that matter the most.

It could be that quick glance at the clock when a meeting drags on, failing to thank someone or folding your arms when a colleague starts talking. But these little ‘micro-behaviours’ say a lot about what we’re thinking - and they send powerful messages to the people around us.

Negative micro-behaviours can be extremely damaging to morale and motivation in the workplace. Here are the five worst offenders.


1. Looking at your watch
Even that quick glance at your watch sends a clear signal that you’d rather be somewhere else. So resist the temptation to time-check and focus on the matter in hand.

2. Checking messages
Smartphones and tablets make it easier than ever before to check our messages on the hoof – but it sends a powerful negative signal if we do it in meetings, or when someone is talking to us. So save the mail-check for when you’re back at your desk.

3. Not making eye contact
Eye contact shows that you’re interested in and engaged with someone, so looking away says the exact opposite. Think whether your eyes are saying something they shouldn’t.

4. Interrupting
Interrupting or talking over someone can make it appear that we don’t value their contribution. If it happens repeatedly to the same person it can be extremely demotivating – so give everyone the same chance to have their say before jumping in.

5. Who are you?
We tend to remember names and information about people that we consider to be important to us. Making an effort to remember things about people is a big part of building good working relationships, so take the time to find out about all your colleagues and show an interest in them.


Micro-behaviours play a big part in shaping our working relationships. Discover the impact of micro-inequities in the workplace and find out how harnessing the power of positive micro-messages can deliver huge benefits for your organisation.