I am not sure which is more important or more off putting when done wrong but a bad hand shake or poor eye contact can put project relationships in a deficit to start or set it back during a crucial moment or meeting. Both are forms of non-verbal communication. If one has be be used, eye contact might be preferred because you're not sharing germs with a potential booger eater or non-hand washer. That being said, eye contact is a staple during construction industry interactions. Good or strong eye contact is a positive thing. Eye contact can convey:
Confidence
Honesty
Alertness
Interest
A challenge
Respect
Focus
Eye contact or the lack of eye contact can be an indicator of how well communication is going on a project. Lack of eye contact can indicate conflict between team members or that there is unresolved issues on the project. If you notice eye contact diminishing, this might be an indicator of a project struggle. You can then work to build relationships and trust back to a point where everyone is comfortable looking each other in the eye during meetings, field discussions and Monday morning weekend catch ups.
Do you and your team engage in eye contact? Does it help or hurt during communication and building relationships?
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