Introduction

Verbal communication dominates the working day to such an extent that it is easy to forget that non-verbal communication carries more meaning than spoken words. Body language is the observable dimension of non-verbal communication and influence. Subliminal Leadership begins with setting the context of influence and leadership and of influence-as-leadership. It goes on to explore how we use our highly acute senses to interact with and influence our social environment. Subliminal influence impacts people through the emotions and feelings they trigger, and leaders must know what triggers which feelings in others. Empathy is an antidote to toxicity and an important constituent of emotionally intelligent leadership, but it goes beyond feeling for someone else. Decision-making defines leadership, and it, too, has a stronger visceral basis than commonly thought, extending beyond the brain to the body – and to the myriads of microbes populating our intestine.