The Power of Non-Verbal Communication in Leadership: Obama's Example

This report delves into the significance of non-verbal communication in leadership, specifically analyzing former President Barack Obama's interaction with Emperor Akihito of Japan. The analysis focuses on Obama's bowing gesture and handshake, highlighting how these non-verbal cues conveyed respect for Japanese culture and the Emperor's seniority. The report discusses how Obama's actions, while adhering to diplomatic protocols, demonstrated a keen understanding of cultural nuances and the power of body language in conveying messages. It emphasizes the importance of non-verbal communication in leadership, showcasing how leaders can use gestures to express respect, build relationships, and navigate diplomatic situations effectively. The report draws from sources to support the arguments and provide a comprehensive understanding of the subject.

The Power of Non-Verbal communication while acting as the leader of the state
Image 1: Former US President Barak Obama shaking hands with Emperor Akihito. While
Greeting Akihito Obama followed the conventional method of greeting people by bowing his
head. Image retrieved from
https://drlillianglassbodylanguageblog.wordpress.com/2009/11/14/obama’s-body-language-
bowing-to-Akihito-is-a-big-hit-in-japan-lighting-Obama-on-fire-will-be-a-big-hit-in/
The Analysis of the Non-Verbal Behavior
Former president bowing his head in front of Emperor Akihito, the non-verbal message hidden in
this image is far deeper than one can imagine. According to the Japanese tradition, we are
required to bow our head in front of a respectable person. If we go by the protocol, the stature of
Emperor Akihito and Obama is equal because both of them are representing their respective
states. In the same photograph, we can also see Emperor Akihito bending a bit to offer a
handshake, Obama is relatively taller to him. It was not necessary for him to bend at all,

however, he did that because it is a tradition in Japan, Obama responded even more
affectionately when he went down and bowed in front of the emperor.
Obama bent down a little farther with a special intention, he wants to show respect to the age and
seniority of the emperor. This is a great example set by the Obama he maintained the dignity of
a statesman when he offered a shaking hand and exchanged the pleasantries. However, in order
to pay respect to the age of the emperor he took the support of a local Japanese custom (Glass,
2009).
The behavior of Obama teaches us two very important lessons related to body language. The first
lesson is related to the fact that he showed keen respect to a local Japanese tradition. A non-
verbal body language based gesture can sometimes convey prudent messages and allow a leader
to clear his stance on certain issues. In the present case Obama communicated the fact that he has
great respect for the age and stature of the emperor, without breaking the protocol prescribed for
the meetings of statesmen.
Bibliography
Fredericks, B. (2017). Trump ‘won’ Putin handshake: body-language expert . New York Post ,
https://nypost.com/2017/07/07/trump-won-putin-handshake-body-language-expert/.
Glass, D. L. (2009). Obama’s Body Language Bowing to Akahito is A Big Hit in Japan.Lighting
Obama on Fire Will Be A Big Hit In China. Dr. Lillian Glass Body Language Blog ,
https://drlillianglassbodylanguageblog.wordpress.com/2009/11/14/obama’s-body-
language-bowing-to-Akihito-is-a-big-hit-in-japan-lighting-Obama-on-fire-will-be-a-big-
hit-in/.