[c]

At an early stage project meeting Mary, the project team leader, presented her suggested project timetable to meet the project goals. During the presentation she noticed that two team members were showing non-verbal signs of disapproval.  Simon was frowning and shaking his head and Justin had leant back in his chair and folded his arms.

Mary stopped what she was saying, turned to Simon and Justin and asked ‘I sense you are not supportive of what I’m saying. Can I clarify anything for you?’ Simon replied ‘You are right. I think the project timetable is unachievable.’ Mary responded by directing a question to the whole group ‘How do the rest of you feel about the timetable I’m suggesting?’

By observing these valuable non-verbal cues Mary was able to open up communication amongst the team and find an early resolution to this problem. Had she ignored or not been aware of the cues, she could well have encountered serious problems with meeting the project timetable and ultimate completion. Additionally, she might not have received the full support of two valuable team members.