8. Be aware of this power play
In some cases, power plays are beneficial. But in others—for instance, a job interview—it’s best to appear humble. Garrison says one common hand gesture, putting the fingertips of both hands together to create a triangular shape, also called steepling, can go either way. “Steepling often makes individuals more believable when they are experts in an area and is regularly used by powerful individuals, such as CEOs,” he says. “However, using steepling when not in a position of recognized expertise or power is perceived as arrogant and is likely to irritate others.”
