8: When My Face Meets Your Eyes

Think about your most recent team meeting. You, as a leader, were not only speaking to your team members, but you were also “reading” them – how they felt, whether they agreed or disagreed, whether they understood your points, or whether they had something to say. This process of “reading” primarily happens through faces. Faces are the most expressive parts of our bodies, uniquely designed to convey a wide range of human emotions, from the subtle flicker of doubt to the broad grin of agreement. Whether it is furrowed brows of confusion, intense gazes of concentration, or raised eyebrows of surprise, each facial cue tells a story. But this is not a one-way street. In fact, it is likely your team members pay even more attention to your face. Your facial expressions as a leader guide the team members' interpretations of your intentions and expectations. A stern face may signal determination. A relaxed face may suggest openness. All of these cues from faces subconsciously shape your responses, guide your interactions, and influence your decisions (Atkinson & Adolphs, 2011). In this chapter, we will explore why our brains prioritize facial information and how this innate focus on faces influences our interactions and decisions. We will also take a close look at how our brain's adept handling of facial information can either support or hinder our decision-making.