What to do when eye contact makes your coworker uncomfortable?












49















I am a newly promoted engineering supervisor, with a team of 4 engineers reporting to me. I have worked with them for several years before being promoted and we have a great, friendly dynamic. That has not changed, but what has changed is that I now have 1-on-1 meetings with them to discuss their tasks and performance (all great, no hard conversations). In these meetings we sit across from each other and talk.



Two of my engineers are clearly uncomfortable in this set up, unable to maintain eye contact and so look around the room as they talk most of the time. It doesn’t bother me that they are looking around, but I don’t know what to do myself in this situation. I want my employees to be comfortable and able to talk openly to me, they don’t interact with customers so I have no need to change them, they are both excellent at their jobs.



My natural response is to just keep looking at them and smiling, but I worry this is not helpful. Looking away myself feels dismissive. Hoping someone who doesn’t like eye contact can offer me some tips!



Edit/Addition — I’m asking what I can do body language wise to reduce their nervousness. The relationships are good, we just never had conversations like this before as peers (one on one, task focused) and so I don’t have any experience to inform me.



Does me keeping looking at them make it worse? Should I try to look away more? Should I try to ditch the sitting across from each other and try sitting on the same side of a table?



Second Edit: Thank you so much everyone! I’ll add a couple things for further clarification, but I have great ideas for improvements thanks to y’all.



Intimidation is not a significant factor - I came in as the ‘lead’, formed the good relationship I reference, was the only one who went for the promotion — I was the obvious choice and there were no hard feelings. Very seamless transition. I imagine there are some nerves present as we move through this transition, but I generally think it’s more about who they are as people (some don’t like eye contact!).



One is male and one is female, so not obviously gendered. There are two other engineers who make a ‘expected’ amount of eye contact, so these two I am discussing are a contrast in their lower amount in the same situation. They do make eye contact with me at intervals, I just think they, as people, don’t like eye contact very much. If just not messing with them is sufficient, wonderful! That’s what I’m hearing.



I don’t know they are uncomfortable necessarily, more like, I, a social person, have not encountered this situation and myself am uncomfortable. Based on input, they don’t care what I do really, which is a relief!










share|improve this question




















  • 7





    Do you bring anything with you to meetings, things you might have to glance at every so often? Like a notepad for example.

    – Kozaky
    15 hours ago






  • 3





    Did you notice this behavior also before becoming their superior? Were they avoiding eye contact when you were also peers, when discussing tasks at your desks or when you meet them for lunch?

    – Xander
    15 hours ago






  • 6





    "My natural response is to just keep looking at them and smiling" - that's the appropriate response. No need to overthink this.

    – Joe Strazzere
    14 hours ago






  • 6





    Don't sit opposite each other. Sit facing at 90 degrees (e.g. on adjacent sides of a rectangular desk or table.) Every medical consulting room I've ever been in is arranged like that, for the exact same reason as your situation - you can look at each other if you want, but you don't have to.

    – alephzero
    11 hours ago






  • 1





    Not an answer in itself, but when talking it's common to look around at things, and when listening you should be looking at the talker. So if they're talking and staring at you it's weird, but if you're listening to them it's appropriate to look at them.

    – Tas
    6 hours ago
















49















I am a newly promoted engineering supervisor, with a team of 4 engineers reporting to me. I have worked with them for several years before being promoted and we have a great, friendly dynamic. That has not changed, but what has changed is that I now have 1-on-1 meetings with them to discuss their tasks and performance (all great, no hard conversations). In these meetings we sit across from each other and talk.



Two of my engineers are clearly uncomfortable in this set up, unable to maintain eye contact and so look around the room as they talk most of the time. It doesn’t bother me that they are looking around, but I don’t know what to do myself in this situation. I want my employees to be comfortable and able to talk openly to me, they don’t interact with customers so I have no need to change them, they are both excellent at their jobs.



My natural response is to just keep looking at them and smiling, but I worry this is not helpful. Looking away myself feels dismissive. Hoping someone who doesn’t like eye contact can offer me some tips!



Edit/Addition — I’m asking what I can do body language wise to reduce their nervousness. The relationships are good, we just never had conversations like this before as peers (one on one, task focused) and so I don’t have any experience to inform me.



Does me keeping looking at them make it worse? Should I try to look away more? Should I try to ditch the sitting across from each other and try sitting on the same side of a table?



Second Edit: Thank you so much everyone! I’ll add a couple things for further clarification, but I have great ideas for improvements thanks to y’all.



Intimidation is not a significant factor - I came in as the ‘lead’, formed the good relationship I reference, was the only one who went for the promotion — I was the obvious choice and there were no hard feelings. Very seamless transition. I imagine there are some nerves present as we move through this transition, but I generally think it’s more about who they are as people (some don’t like eye contact!).



One is male and one is female, so not obviously gendered. There are two other engineers who make a ‘expected’ amount of eye contact, so these two I am discussing are a contrast in their lower amount in the same situation. They do make eye contact with me at intervals, I just think they, as people, don’t like eye contact very much. If just not messing with them is sufficient, wonderful! That’s what I’m hearing.



I don’t know they are uncomfortable necessarily, more like, I, a social person, have not encountered this situation and myself am uncomfortable. Based on input, they don’t care what I do really, which is a relief!










share|improve this question




















  • 7





    Do you bring anything with you to meetings, things you might have to glance at every so often? Like a notepad for example.

    – Kozaky
    15 hours ago






  • 3





    Did you notice this behavior also before becoming their superior? Were they avoiding eye contact when you were also peers, when discussing tasks at your desks or when you meet them for lunch?

    – Xander
    15 hours ago






  • 6





    "My natural response is to just keep looking at them and smiling" - that's the appropriate response. No need to overthink this.

    – Joe Strazzere
    14 hours ago






  • 6





    Don't sit opposite each other. Sit facing at 90 degrees (e.g. on adjacent sides of a rectangular desk or table.) Every medical consulting room I've ever been in is arranged like that, for the exact same reason as your situation - you can look at each other if you want, but you don't have to.

    – alephzero
    11 hours ago






  • 1





    Not an answer in itself, but when talking it's common to look around at things, and when listening you should be looking at the talker. So if they're talking and staring at you it's weird, but if you're listening to them it's appropriate to look at them.

    – Tas
    6 hours ago














49












49








49


1






I am a newly promoted engineering supervisor, with a team of 4 engineers reporting to me. I have worked with them for several years before being promoted and we have a great, friendly dynamic. That has not changed, but what has changed is that I now have 1-on-1 meetings with them to discuss their tasks and performance (all great, no hard conversations). In these meetings we sit across from each other and talk.



Two of my engineers are clearly uncomfortable in this set up, unable to maintain eye contact and so look around the room as they talk most of the time. It doesn’t bother me that they are looking around, but I don’t know what to do myself in this situation. I want my employees to be comfortable and able to talk openly to me, they don’t interact with customers so I have no need to change them, they are both excellent at their jobs.



My natural response is to just keep looking at them and smiling, but I worry this is not helpful. Looking away myself feels dismissive. Hoping someone who doesn’t like eye contact can offer me some tips!



Edit/Addition — I’m asking what I can do body language wise to reduce their nervousness. The relationships are good, we just never had conversations like this before as peers (one on one, task focused) and so I don’t have any experience to inform me.



Does me keeping looking at them make it worse? Should I try to look away more? Should I try to ditch the sitting across from each other and try sitting on the same side of a table?



Second Edit: Thank you so much everyone! I’ll add a couple things for further clarification, but I have great ideas for improvements thanks to y’all.



Intimidation is not a significant factor - I came in as the ‘lead’, formed the good relationship I reference, was the only one who went for the promotion — I was the obvious choice and there were no hard feelings. Very seamless transition. I imagine there are some nerves present as we move through this transition, but I generally think it’s more about who they are as people (some don’t like eye contact!).



One is male and one is female, so not obviously gendered. There are two other engineers who make a ‘expected’ amount of eye contact, so these two I am discussing are a contrast in their lower amount in the same situation. They do make eye contact with me at intervals, I just think they, as people, don’t like eye contact very much. If just not messing with them is sufficient, wonderful! That’s what I’m hearing.



I don’t know they are uncomfortable necessarily, more like, I, a social person, have not encountered this situation and myself am uncomfortable. Based on input, they don’t care what I do really, which is a relief!










share|improve this question
















I am a newly promoted engineering supervisor, with a team of 4 engineers reporting to me. I have worked with them for several years before being promoted and we have a great, friendly dynamic. That has not changed, but what has changed is that I now have 1-on-1 meetings with them to discuss their tasks and performance (all great, no hard conversations). In these meetings we sit across from each other and talk.



Two of my engineers are clearly uncomfortable in this set up, unable to maintain eye contact and so look around the room as they talk most of the time. It doesn’t bother me that they are looking around, but I don’t know what to do myself in this situation. I want my employees to be comfortable and able to talk openly to me, they don’t interact with customers so I have no need to change them, they are both excellent at their jobs.



My natural response is to just keep looking at them and smiling, but I worry this is not helpful. Looking away myself feels dismissive. Hoping someone who doesn’t like eye contact can offer me some tips!



Edit/Addition — I’m asking what I can do body language wise to reduce their nervousness. The relationships are good, we just never had conversations like this before as peers (one on one, task focused) and so I don’t have any experience to inform me.



Does me keeping looking at them make it worse? Should I try to look away more? Should I try to ditch the sitting across from each other and try sitting on the same side of a table?



Second Edit: Thank you so much everyone! I’ll add a couple things for further clarification, but I have great ideas for improvements thanks to y’all.



Intimidation is not a significant factor - I came in as the ‘lead’, formed the good relationship I reference, was the only one who went for the promotion — I was the obvious choice and there were no hard feelings. Very seamless transition. I imagine there are some nerves present as we move through this transition, but I generally think it’s more about who they are as people (some don’t like eye contact!).



One is male and one is female, so not obviously gendered. There are two other engineers who make a ‘expected’ amount of eye contact, so these two I am discussing are a contrast in their lower amount in the same situation. They do make eye contact with me at intervals, I just think they, as people, don’t like eye contact very much. If just not messing with them is sufficient, wonderful! That’s what I’m hearing.



I don’t know they are uncomfortable necessarily, more like, I, a social person, have not encountered this situation and myself am uncomfortable. Based on input, they don’t care what I do really, which is a relief!







communication united-states






share|improve this question















share|improve this question













share|improve this question




share|improve this question








edited 1 hour ago







user35316

















asked 15 hours ago









user35316user35316

58228




58228








  • 7





    Do you bring anything with you to meetings, things you might have to glance at every so often? Like a notepad for example.

    – Kozaky
    15 hours ago






  • 3





    Did you notice this behavior also before becoming their superior? Were they avoiding eye contact when you were also peers, when discussing tasks at your desks or when you meet them for lunch?

    – Xander
    15 hours ago






  • 6





    "My natural response is to just keep looking at them and smiling" - that's the appropriate response. No need to overthink this.

    – Joe Strazzere
    14 hours ago






  • 6





    Don't sit opposite each other. Sit facing at 90 degrees (e.g. on adjacent sides of a rectangular desk or table.) Every medical consulting room I've ever been in is arranged like that, for the exact same reason as your situation - you can look at each other if you want, but you don't have to.

    – alephzero
    11 hours ago






  • 1





    Not an answer in itself, but when talking it's common to look around at things, and when listening you should be looking at the talker. So if they're talking and staring at you it's weird, but if you're listening to them it's appropriate to look at them.

    – Tas
    6 hours ago














  • 7





    Do you bring anything with you to meetings, things you might have to glance at every so often? Like a notepad for example.

    – Kozaky
    15 hours ago






  • 3





    Did you notice this behavior also before becoming their superior? Were they avoiding eye contact when you were also peers, when discussing tasks at your desks or when you meet them for lunch?

    – Xander
    15 hours ago






  • 6





    "My natural response is to just keep looking at them and smiling" - that's the appropriate response. No need to overthink this.

    – Joe Strazzere
    14 hours ago






  • 6





    Don't sit opposite each other. Sit facing at 90 degrees (e.g. on adjacent sides of a rectangular desk or table.) Every medical consulting room I've ever been in is arranged like that, for the exact same reason as your situation - you can look at each other if you want, but you don't have to.

    – alephzero
    11 hours ago






  • 1





    Not an answer in itself, but when talking it's common to look around at things, and when listening you should be looking at the talker. So if they're talking and staring at you it's weird, but if you're listening to them it's appropriate to look at them.

    – Tas
    6 hours ago








7




7





Do you bring anything with you to meetings, things you might have to glance at every so often? Like a notepad for example.

– Kozaky
15 hours ago





Do you bring anything with you to meetings, things you might have to glance at every so often? Like a notepad for example.

– Kozaky
15 hours ago




3




3





Did you notice this behavior also before becoming their superior? Were they avoiding eye contact when you were also peers, when discussing tasks at your desks or when you meet them for lunch?

– Xander
15 hours ago





Did you notice this behavior also before becoming their superior? Were they avoiding eye contact when you were also peers, when discussing tasks at your desks or when you meet them for lunch?

– Xander
15 hours ago




6




6





"My natural response is to just keep looking at them and smiling" - that's the appropriate response. No need to overthink this.

– Joe Strazzere
14 hours ago





"My natural response is to just keep looking at them and smiling" - that's the appropriate response. No need to overthink this.

– Joe Strazzere
14 hours ago




6




6





Don't sit opposite each other. Sit facing at 90 degrees (e.g. on adjacent sides of a rectangular desk or table.) Every medical consulting room I've ever been in is arranged like that, for the exact same reason as your situation - you can look at each other if you want, but you don't have to.

– alephzero
11 hours ago





Don't sit opposite each other. Sit facing at 90 degrees (e.g. on adjacent sides of a rectangular desk or table.) Every medical consulting room I've ever been in is arranged like that, for the exact same reason as your situation - you can look at each other if you want, but you don't have to.

– alephzero
11 hours ago




1




1





Not an answer in itself, but when talking it's common to look around at things, and when listening you should be looking at the talker. So if they're talking and staring at you it's weird, but if you're listening to them it's appropriate to look at them.

– Tas
6 hours ago





Not an answer in itself, but when talking it's common to look around at things, and when listening you should be looking at the talker. So if they're talking and staring at you it's weird, but if you're listening to them it's appropriate to look at them.

– Tas
6 hours ago










10 Answers
10






active

oldest

votes


















98














I'm one of those people



I believe you are reading too much into this!



Don't start with team-building exercises, surveys, etc. Leave it be.



If you are getting the results you need from these sessions, that's what matters.



Some people just naturally don't like eye contact in one-on-one conversations. Me included! That that includes me being in positions of power or otherwise.



Look wherever you want, the important thing is you listen and respond.






share|improve this answer



















  • 20





    I was about to answer exactly the same. People are just introverts or don't like eye contact. People going overboard methinks.

    – Xander
    15 hours ago






  • 18





    If we aren't looking at you, we don't know where you're looking :) Do whatever you want. Dance if you want.

    – Gregory Currie
    15 hours ago






  • 7





    @user35316 as someone else who also feels uncomfortable with eye contact, please understand that "taking the social pressure off" won't solve the problem, because it is not necessarily a problem! Don't take a lack of eye contact as meaning they feel uncomfortable. It's entirely possible that encouraging them to make eye contact will just make them more uncomfortable -- if they even are.

    – Captain Man
    14 hours ago






  • 2





    +1. How does the OP know they are making their employees uncomfortable or putting pressure on them?

    – Shamtam
    13 hours ago






  • 3





    I also avoid constant eye contact with people. I don't think OP should assume any social pressure. I'm not shy, anxious, or particularly introverted. I just find it weird to stare down the person I'm speaking to. Not to mention there are other interesting things to look at than your chin. So I look around.

    – Fadecomic
    10 hours ago





















95














Go take a walk around the block while you two talk. That's what we do here and it works pretty well.






share|improve this answer



















  • 8





    Have to upvote this - takes out the "pressure" of a room etc etc

    – Solar Mike
    14 hours ago






  • 2





    Signed up to upvote. Gets people out of their chairs as well, which has its own benefits.

    – miken32
    14 hours ago






  • 1





    This is a great answer. When people are uncomfortable in a situation and you don't want to change them, don't try to 'fix' the problem, just change the situation so the problem disappears.

    – davnicwil
    13 hours ago






  • 1





    @SolarMike Most importantly you don't have people facing each other but walking by each other's side. There's no awkward looking around because you don't have to balance between looking at someone too much and too little. You just look ahead while occasionally looking at the other person.

    – user31389
    13 hours ago






  • 2





    No, you were talking about "pressure" of a room which is an entirely different thing. The room is not at fault but the fact that some people feel awkward facing other people. You could have people seated side by side in a room and it would likely work just as well as a walk. And most likely there's no "pressure" at fault. It's not the perception of high expectations or seriousness that causes people to avoid eye contact. They are just a bit socially awkward, that's all.

    – user31389
    13 hours ago



















35














I've been in similar situations where people were unable to look me in the eye whilst in a 1-1 meeting. It was pretty clear that they weren't feeling inferior but rather socially awkward/anxious and slightly introvert.



I tried different things and what seemed to work well was sitting next to the person instead of across from them during 1-1s and use a laptop or notes between us to focus on. Most of the time I was focused on the screen while talking and that gave the opportunity to the other person to talk while looking at the screen or notes.



If you're happy with the meetings' outcome and you're able to communicate fine with your subordinates, then I'd simply try to find a layout for these meetings that makes them more comfortable.






share|improve this answer



















  • 10





    Was going to suggest this if no one else had. Most men are socialized to interact side by side or around an activity and not face-to-face, since face-to-face means head-to-head which is combative.

    – Dedwards
    14 hours ago











  • @shoover, I didn't, but there's a possibility that some of them are, so my comment stands.

    – Dedwards
    9 hours ago






  • 2





    Don't assume all men are combative.

    – stannius
    8 hours ago













  • Nobody discussing the "spectrum" yet? They are engineers after all. Eye contact is pretty intrusive. Insisting upon it can open up a world of problems. Some people just don't.

    – mckenzm
    2 hours ago



















5














Something that hasn't been mentioned is that they may be thinking.



When you ask me a technical question, I mentally fire up the equipment and software I'd use to work on the problem for real and then run through possible solutions or approaches.



I'm mentally looking at things that are somewhere else. My eyes just rove and have very little to do with what I'm looking at.



I might "park" my peepers staring at blank section of wall or out a window. If I'm really far away, they just stop wherever they were pointed - which may be at you or someone else, causing creepy feelings of "why's he staring at me?"



So, if you are having a one on one discussion and your coworker is staring off into space, he may be really busy trying to find a solution. Anything you do to prevent them from "spacing out" might cause you to lose out on a better solution to your problems.






share|improve this answer








New contributor




JRE is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.





















  • I do this too, looking off into space while I think about my answer, but when I'm done thinking I cycle back to eye contact, at least momentarily. The OP didn't mention if the cycling back ever happens or not.

    – Karl Bielefeldt
    3 hours ago



















4














I myself find that I can listen better if I'm not making an effort to maintain eye contact. After all, you listen with your ears, not your eyes. Because of this, my own eyes tend to wander during conversation, whether I'm any kind of nervous or not.



It may be the same for these individuals. You don't know, so don't make assumptions. If they are performing well and can remember what was discussed, it doesn't really matter that they don't maintain eye contact with you, and no additional action is needed.






share|improve this answer








New contributor




MrSpudtastic is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
















  • 1





    “You listen with your ears, not your eyes.” This is just straight up wrong. There have been studies that have shown that something like 90% of communication is nonverbal. If you want to do a good job as a listener, you need to use both.

    – nick012000
    1 hour ago



















1














Others have contributed some good thoughts. Some personal perspective:




  1. What sort of training has your employer provided for those new to management? Do they provide skill building materials?

  2. Social skills are a bit less relevant if the job isn't customer facing.

  3. Try not to judge employee on looking in eye, but more on whatever their positive qualities are, and your assessment of their contributions.

  4. Do not make assumptions on character, rush to judgement, or over-simplify based on a few observations.

  5. Don't discuss with other managers at your level. Not necessarily their business...

  6. You do have a mentor responsibility, so think about what that entails and whether social skills are relevant.
    6.a. I've done customer facing work, and not always handled it the best. In that case I was fortunate to have a manager that could skillfully address it, and identify areas to improve, and highlight good parts (so I'm not demoralized). Keep in mind I was hired partially due to better social skills.
    6.b. The other side, purely internally focused work. Just keep in mind everyone is not created equal and some people will not be able to "improve" their social skills. That's OK. Then focus more on whether tasks are getting done, quality of work, etc.






share|improve this answer








New contributor




learning2learn is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.




























    0














    If you have been working with them for a long time and have now become their "superior" this is common to happen. They may have the problem of trying to separate the relationship they used to have with the one they have now.



    There are a few things you can try.



    1- Just give them the room they need, if their performance is not lacking and motivation seems to be the same, leave it as it is. Continue looking at them while they speak and remain professional.



    2 - If you have worked with them for that long and feel the relationship exists there, ask them. While you are on the 1-2-1 tell them you have noticed that they don't seem to be fully comfortable and ask them if they prefer a different approach to the 1-2-1.



    3 - Use an anonymous survey to the entire team regarding current processes, including 1-2-1, PDP and PDR.



    As you said, they are not going to be customer facing, but it is also good to give them the opportunity to develop their interpersonal skills.





    share
























    • I don't understand the downvote on this one. This seems pretty valid.

      – GustavoMP
      14 hours ago






    • 6





      @GustavoMP I'm not the downvoter but the general trend in low score answers to this question is that they assume there's something wrong, the employees are nervous, etc. The truth is some people simply are uncomfortable looking other people in the eyes in any kind of situation or don't know where they are supposed to look or think looking at other person too long would be considered rude. There is nothing wrong with the workplace nor the supervisor.

      – user31389
      13 hours ago













    • @user31389 with that I can agree

      – GustavoMP
      13 hours ago



















    -1














    Most likely they are nervous. Many employees will feel nervous talking to their manager 1 on 1. Add the fact that you are their new manager, talking about their tasks and performance and this nervous factor can increase. Add the fact that they are engineers, who in many cases are introverts, and you can understand how elevated their nerves must be.



    There isn't anything to change on your part as far as smiling and looking at them. What you can do, before the meeting, is try to calm them down and make it clear that the meeting isn't an official review or that they aren't being punished for anything.






    share|improve this answer



















    • 3





      I am not the person OP is talking about but I am like them, I do not do well with eye to eye contact. Nothing to do with nerves. I just do not like it. (I might be Autistic, but high functional and have not other problems.)

      – Willeke
      10 hours ago



















    -2














    In America, it's common for companies to do "team-building" exercises. They usually consist of the team going to lunch, or having a gathering off site with families, even. It's to allow people get to know each other in casual situations, and this can help with a person viewing their boss/manager as a person, not just an authority to be scared of.



    Perhaps this isn't an option, but for whatever reason they seem to fear you. Might just be a cultural thing...but you need to try to find a way to break through that.






    share|improve this answer



















    • 2





      Doesn't seem like they fear him from what he said.

      – kiradotee
      13 hours ago



















    -2














    Although there are some good examples of things you can do to get around this uncomfortable feeling mentioned by others.



    The main thing here should be to build your coworkers confidence (restless eyes are caused by nerves and lack of confidence) rather than find more ways they can avoid eye contact. Eye contact is a very important skill and should not be overlooked as it's the main way to connect during conversation. It's not something that should be avoided no matter who you are.



    That being said




    (all great, no hard conversations)




    They might not be uncomfortable but just nervous during these 121's. You get what you need and conversation is still flowing. If colleagues were uncomfortable there would likely be rushed speech or stutters along with lack of eye contact






    share|improve this answer





















    • 5





      There are many cultures that do not view "Eye Contact" as an important business or professional skill. For example, I work with Japanese partners where the business culture in meetings is to look down and "listen" with perhaps the exception of the person being directly addressed, even closing eyes is considered normal, and it took me a while to get used to speaking at meetings and to trust that they are listening intently even if they look like they are sleeping (although, sometimes they are).

      – crasic
      12 hours ago













    • "Restless eyes are caused by nerves and lack of confidence" that is not true for me. I have a hard time looking people in the eye, but I would definitely not be categorized as someone lacking confidence or having nerves. I simply don't like to. It's never caused me any problems in business, in fact, i think it has helped, because too much eye contact can be seen as rude and aggressive where I am (pnw in the US)

      – user87779
      8 hours ago













    Your Answer








    StackExchange.ready(function() {
    var channelOptions = {
    tags: "".split(" "),
    id: "423"
    };
    initTagRenderer("".split(" "), "".split(" "), channelOptions);

    StackExchange.using("externalEditor", function() {
    // Have to fire editor after snippets, if snippets enabled
    if (StackExchange.settings.snippets.snippetsEnabled) {
    StackExchange.using("snippets", function() {
    createEditor();
    });
    }
    else {
    createEditor();
    }
    });

    function createEditor() {
    StackExchange.prepareEditor({
    heartbeatType: 'answer',
    autoActivateHeartbeat: false,
    convertImagesToLinks: false,
    noModals: true,
    showLowRepImageUploadWarning: true,
    reputationToPostImages: null,
    bindNavPrevention: true,
    postfix: "",
    imageUploader: {
    brandingHtml: "Powered by u003ca class="icon-imgur-white" href="https://imgur.com/"u003eu003c/au003e",
    contentPolicyHtml: "User contributions licensed under u003ca href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/"u003ecc by-sa 3.0 with attribution requiredu003c/au003e u003ca href="https://stackoverflow.com/legal/content-policy"u003e(content policy)u003c/au003e",
    allowUrls: true
    },
    noCode: true, onDemand: false,
    discardSelector: ".discard-answer"
    ,immediatelyShowMarkdownHelp:true
    });


    }
    });














    draft saved

    draft discarded


















    StackExchange.ready(
    function () {
    StackExchange.openid.initPostLogin('.new-post-login', 'https%3a%2f%2fworkplace.stackexchange.com%2fquestions%2f132180%2fwhat-to-do-when-eye-contact-makes-your-coworker-uncomfortable%23new-answer', 'question_page');
    }
    );

    Post as a guest















    Required, but never shown




















    StackExchange.ready(function () {
    $("#show-editor-button input, #show-editor-button button").click(function () {
    var showEditor = function() {
    $("#show-editor-button").hide();
    $("#post-form").removeClass("dno");
    StackExchange.editor.finallyInit();
    };

    var useFancy = $(this).data('confirm-use-fancy');
    if(useFancy == 'True') {
    var popupTitle = $(this).data('confirm-fancy-title');
    var popupBody = $(this).data('confirm-fancy-body');
    var popupAccept = $(this).data('confirm-fancy-accept-button');

    $(this).loadPopup({
    url: '/post/self-answer-popup',
    loaded: function(popup) {
    var pTitle = $(popup).find('h2');
    var pBody = $(popup).find('.popup-body');
    var pSubmit = $(popup).find('.popup-submit');

    pTitle.text(popupTitle);
    pBody.html(popupBody);
    pSubmit.val(popupAccept).click(showEditor);
    }
    })
    } else{
    var confirmText = $(this).data('confirm-text');
    if (confirmText ? confirm(confirmText) : true) {
    showEditor();
    }
    }
    });
    });






    10 Answers
    10






    active

    oldest

    votes








    10 Answers
    10






    active

    oldest

    votes









    active

    oldest

    votes






    active

    oldest

    votes









    98














    I'm one of those people



    I believe you are reading too much into this!



    Don't start with team-building exercises, surveys, etc. Leave it be.



    If you are getting the results you need from these sessions, that's what matters.



    Some people just naturally don't like eye contact in one-on-one conversations. Me included! That that includes me being in positions of power or otherwise.



    Look wherever you want, the important thing is you listen and respond.






    share|improve this answer



















    • 20





      I was about to answer exactly the same. People are just introverts or don't like eye contact. People going overboard methinks.

      – Xander
      15 hours ago






    • 18





      If we aren't looking at you, we don't know where you're looking :) Do whatever you want. Dance if you want.

      – Gregory Currie
      15 hours ago






    • 7





      @user35316 as someone else who also feels uncomfortable with eye contact, please understand that "taking the social pressure off" won't solve the problem, because it is not necessarily a problem! Don't take a lack of eye contact as meaning they feel uncomfortable. It's entirely possible that encouraging them to make eye contact will just make them more uncomfortable -- if they even are.

      – Captain Man
      14 hours ago






    • 2





      +1. How does the OP know they are making their employees uncomfortable or putting pressure on them?

      – Shamtam
      13 hours ago






    • 3





      I also avoid constant eye contact with people. I don't think OP should assume any social pressure. I'm not shy, anxious, or particularly introverted. I just find it weird to stare down the person I'm speaking to. Not to mention there are other interesting things to look at than your chin. So I look around.

      – Fadecomic
      10 hours ago


















    98














    I'm one of those people



    I believe you are reading too much into this!



    Don't start with team-building exercises, surveys, etc. Leave it be.



    If you are getting the results you need from these sessions, that's what matters.



    Some people just naturally don't like eye contact in one-on-one conversations. Me included! That that includes me being in positions of power or otherwise.



    Look wherever you want, the important thing is you listen and respond.






    share|improve this answer



















    • 20





      I was about to answer exactly the same. People are just introverts or don't like eye contact. People going overboard methinks.

      – Xander
      15 hours ago






    • 18





      If we aren't looking at you, we don't know where you're looking :) Do whatever you want. Dance if you want.

      – Gregory Currie
      15 hours ago






    • 7





      @user35316 as someone else who also feels uncomfortable with eye contact, please understand that "taking the social pressure off" won't solve the problem, because it is not necessarily a problem! Don't take a lack of eye contact as meaning they feel uncomfortable. It's entirely possible that encouraging them to make eye contact will just make them more uncomfortable -- if they even are.

      – Captain Man
      14 hours ago






    • 2





      +1. How does the OP know they are making their employees uncomfortable or putting pressure on them?

      – Shamtam
      13 hours ago






    • 3





      I also avoid constant eye contact with people. I don't think OP should assume any social pressure. I'm not shy, anxious, or particularly introverted. I just find it weird to stare down the person I'm speaking to. Not to mention there are other interesting things to look at than your chin. So I look around.

      – Fadecomic
      10 hours ago
















    98












    98








    98







    I'm one of those people



    I believe you are reading too much into this!



    Don't start with team-building exercises, surveys, etc. Leave it be.



    If you are getting the results you need from these sessions, that's what matters.



    Some people just naturally don't like eye contact in one-on-one conversations. Me included! That that includes me being in positions of power or otherwise.



    Look wherever you want, the important thing is you listen and respond.






    share|improve this answer













    I'm one of those people



    I believe you are reading too much into this!



    Don't start with team-building exercises, surveys, etc. Leave it be.



    If you are getting the results you need from these sessions, that's what matters.



    Some people just naturally don't like eye contact in one-on-one conversations. Me included! That that includes me being in positions of power or otherwise.



    Look wherever you want, the important thing is you listen and respond.







    share|improve this answer












    share|improve this answer



    share|improve this answer










    answered 15 hours ago









    Gregory CurrieGregory Currie

    3,03531727




    3,03531727








    • 20





      I was about to answer exactly the same. People are just introverts or don't like eye contact. People going overboard methinks.

      – Xander
      15 hours ago






    • 18





      If we aren't looking at you, we don't know where you're looking :) Do whatever you want. Dance if you want.

      – Gregory Currie
      15 hours ago






    • 7





      @user35316 as someone else who also feels uncomfortable with eye contact, please understand that "taking the social pressure off" won't solve the problem, because it is not necessarily a problem! Don't take a lack of eye contact as meaning they feel uncomfortable. It's entirely possible that encouraging them to make eye contact will just make them more uncomfortable -- if they even are.

      – Captain Man
      14 hours ago






    • 2





      +1. How does the OP know they are making their employees uncomfortable or putting pressure on them?

      – Shamtam
      13 hours ago






    • 3





      I also avoid constant eye contact with people. I don't think OP should assume any social pressure. I'm not shy, anxious, or particularly introverted. I just find it weird to stare down the person I'm speaking to. Not to mention there are other interesting things to look at than your chin. So I look around.

      – Fadecomic
      10 hours ago
















    • 20





      I was about to answer exactly the same. People are just introverts or don't like eye contact. People going overboard methinks.

      – Xander
      15 hours ago






    • 18





      If we aren't looking at you, we don't know where you're looking :) Do whatever you want. Dance if you want.

      – Gregory Currie
      15 hours ago






    • 7





      @user35316 as someone else who also feels uncomfortable with eye contact, please understand that "taking the social pressure off" won't solve the problem, because it is not necessarily a problem! Don't take a lack of eye contact as meaning they feel uncomfortable. It's entirely possible that encouraging them to make eye contact will just make them more uncomfortable -- if they even are.

      – Captain Man
      14 hours ago






    • 2





      +1. How does the OP know they are making their employees uncomfortable or putting pressure on them?

      – Shamtam
      13 hours ago






    • 3





      I also avoid constant eye contact with people. I don't think OP should assume any social pressure. I'm not shy, anxious, or particularly introverted. I just find it weird to stare down the person I'm speaking to. Not to mention there are other interesting things to look at than your chin. So I look around.

      – Fadecomic
      10 hours ago










    20




    20





    I was about to answer exactly the same. People are just introverts or don't like eye contact. People going overboard methinks.

    – Xander
    15 hours ago





    I was about to answer exactly the same. People are just introverts or don't like eye contact. People going overboard methinks.

    – Xander
    15 hours ago




    18




    18





    If we aren't looking at you, we don't know where you're looking :) Do whatever you want. Dance if you want.

    – Gregory Currie
    15 hours ago





    If we aren't looking at you, we don't know where you're looking :) Do whatever you want. Dance if you want.

    – Gregory Currie
    15 hours ago




    7




    7





    @user35316 as someone else who also feels uncomfortable with eye contact, please understand that "taking the social pressure off" won't solve the problem, because it is not necessarily a problem! Don't take a lack of eye contact as meaning they feel uncomfortable. It's entirely possible that encouraging them to make eye contact will just make them more uncomfortable -- if they even are.

    – Captain Man
    14 hours ago





    @user35316 as someone else who also feels uncomfortable with eye contact, please understand that "taking the social pressure off" won't solve the problem, because it is not necessarily a problem! Don't take a lack of eye contact as meaning they feel uncomfortable. It's entirely possible that encouraging them to make eye contact will just make them more uncomfortable -- if they even are.

    – Captain Man
    14 hours ago




    2




    2





    +1. How does the OP know they are making their employees uncomfortable or putting pressure on them?

    – Shamtam
    13 hours ago





    +1. How does the OP know they are making their employees uncomfortable or putting pressure on them?

    – Shamtam
    13 hours ago




    3




    3





    I also avoid constant eye contact with people. I don't think OP should assume any social pressure. I'm not shy, anxious, or particularly introverted. I just find it weird to stare down the person I'm speaking to. Not to mention there are other interesting things to look at than your chin. So I look around.

    – Fadecomic
    10 hours ago







    I also avoid constant eye contact with people. I don't think OP should assume any social pressure. I'm not shy, anxious, or particularly introverted. I just find it weird to stare down the person I'm speaking to. Not to mention there are other interesting things to look at than your chin. So I look around.

    – Fadecomic
    10 hours ago















    95














    Go take a walk around the block while you two talk. That's what we do here and it works pretty well.






    share|improve this answer



















    • 8





      Have to upvote this - takes out the "pressure" of a room etc etc

      – Solar Mike
      14 hours ago






    • 2





      Signed up to upvote. Gets people out of their chairs as well, which has its own benefits.

      – miken32
      14 hours ago






    • 1





      This is a great answer. When people are uncomfortable in a situation and you don't want to change them, don't try to 'fix' the problem, just change the situation so the problem disappears.

      – davnicwil
      13 hours ago






    • 1





      @SolarMike Most importantly you don't have people facing each other but walking by each other's side. There's no awkward looking around because you don't have to balance between looking at someone too much and too little. You just look ahead while occasionally looking at the other person.

      – user31389
      13 hours ago






    • 2





      No, you were talking about "pressure" of a room which is an entirely different thing. The room is not at fault but the fact that some people feel awkward facing other people. You could have people seated side by side in a room and it would likely work just as well as a walk. And most likely there's no "pressure" at fault. It's not the perception of high expectations or seriousness that causes people to avoid eye contact. They are just a bit socially awkward, that's all.

      – user31389
      13 hours ago
















    95














    Go take a walk around the block while you two talk. That's what we do here and it works pretty well.






    share|improve this answer



















    • 8





      Have to upvote this - takes out the "pressure" of a room etc etc

      – Solar Mike
      14 hours ago






    • 2





      Signed up to upvote. Gets people out of their chairs as well, which has its own benefits.

      – miken32
      14 hours ago






    • 1





      This is a great answer. When people are uncomfortable in a situation and you don't want to change them, don't try to 'fix' the problem, just change the situation so the problem disappears.

      – davnicwil
      13 hours ago






    • 1





      @SolarMike Most importantly you don't have people facing each other but walking by each other's side. There's no awkward looking around because you don't have to balance between looking at someone too much and too little. You just look ahead while occasionally looking at the other person.

      – user31389
      13 hours ago






    • 2





      No, you were talking about "pressure" of a room which is an entirely different thing. The room is not at fault but the fact that some people feel awkward facing other people. You could have people seated side by side in a room and it would likely work just as well as a walk. And most likely there's no "pressure" at fault. It's not the perception of high expectations or seriousness that causes people to avoid eye contact. They are just a bit socially awkward, that's all.

      – user31389
      13 hours ago














    95












    95








    95







    Go take a walk around the block while you two talk. That's what we do here and it works pretty well.






    share|improve this answer













    Go take a walk around the block while you two talk. That's what we do here and it works pretty well.







    share|improve this answer












    share|improve this answer



    share|improve this answer










    answered 15 hours ago









    GustavoMPGustavoMP

    2,09521017




    2,09521017








    • 8





      Have to upvote this - takes out the "pressure" of a room etc etc

      – Solar Mike
      14 hours ago






    • 2





      Signed up to upvote. Gets people out of their chairs as well, which has its own benefits.

      – miken32
      14 hours ago






    • 1





      This is a great answer. When people are uncomfortable in a situation and you don't want to change them, don't try to 'fix' the problem, just change the situation so the problem disappears.

      – davnicwil
      13 hours ago






    • 1





      @SolarMike Most importantly you don't have people facing each other but walking by each other's side. There's no awkward looking around because you don't have to balance between looking at someone too much and too little. You just look ahead while occasionally looking at the other person.

      – user31389
      13 hours ago






    • 2





      No, you were talking about "pressure" of a room which is an entirely different thing. The room is not at fault but the fact that some people feel awkward facing other people. You could have people seated side by side in a room and it would likely work just as well as a walk. And most likely there's no "pressure" at fault. It's not the perception of high expectations or seriousness that causes people to avoid eye contact. They are just a bit socially awkward, that's all.

      – user31389
      13 hours ago














    • 8





      Have to upvote this - takes out the "pressure" of a room etc etc

      – Solar Mike
      14 hours ago






    • 2





      Signed up to upvote. Gets people out of their chairs as well, which has its own benefits.

      – miken32
      14 hours ago






    • 1





      This is a great answer. When people are uncomfortable in a situation and you don't want to change them, don't try to 'fix' the problem, just change the situation so the problem disappears.

      – davnicwil
      13 hours ago






    • 1





      @SolarMike Most importantly you don't have people facing each other but walking by each other's side. There's no awkward looking around because you don't have to balance between looking at someone too much and too little. You just look ahead while occasionally looking at the other person.

      – user31389
      13 hours ago






    • 2





      No, you were talking about "pressure" of a room which is an entirely different thing. The room is not at fault but the fact that some people feel awkward facing other people. You could have people seated side by side in a room and it would likely work just as well as a walk. And most likely there's no "pressure" at fault. It's not the perception of high expectations or seriousness that causes people to avoid eye contact. They are just a bit socially awkward, that's all.

      – user31389
      13 hours ago








    8




    8





    Have to upvote this - takes out the "pressure" of a room etc etc

    – Solar Mike
    14 hours ago





    Have to upvote this - takes out the "pressure" of a room etc etc

    – Solar Mike
    14 hours ago




    2




    2





    Signed up to upvote. Gets people out of their chairs as well, which has its own benefits.

    – miken32
    14 hours ago





    Signed up to upvote. Gets people out of their chairs as well, which has its own benefits.

    – miken32
    14 hours ago




    1




    1





    This is a great answer. When people are uncomfortable in a situation and you don't want to change them, don't try to 'fix' the problem, just change the situation so the problem disappears.

    – davnicwil
    13 hours ago





    This is a great answer. When people are uncomfortable in a situation and you don't want to change them, don't try to 'fix' the problem, just change the situation so the problem disappears.

    – davnicwil
    13 hours ago




    1




    1





    @SolarMike Most importantly you don't have people facing each other but walking by each other's side. There's no awkward looking around because you don't have to balance between looking at someone too much and too little. You just look ahead while occasionally looking at the other person.

    – user31389
    13 hours ago





    @SolarMike Most importantly you don't have people facing each other but walking by each other's side. There's no awkward looking around because you don't have to balance between looking at someone too much and too little. You just look ahead while occasionally looking at the other person.

    – user31389
    13 hours ago




    2




    2





    No, you were talking about "pressure" of a room which is an entirely different thing. The room is not at fault but the fact that some people feel awkward facing other people. You could have people seated side by side in a room and it would likely work just as well as a walk. And most likely there's no "pressure" at fault. It's not the perception of high expectations or seriousness that causes people to avoid eye contact. They are just a bit socially awkward, that's all.

    – user31389
    13 hours ago





    No, you were talking about "pressure" of a room which is an entirely different thing. The room is not at fault but the fact that some people feel awkward facing other people. You could have people seated side by side in a room and it would likely work just as well as a walk. And most likely there's no "pressure" at fault. It's not the perception of high expectations or seriousness that causes people to avoid eye contact. They are just a bit socially awkward, that's all.

    – user31389
    13 hours ago











    35














    I've been in similar situations where people were unable to look me in the eye whilst in a 1-1 meeting. It was pretty clear that they weren't feeling inferior but rather socially awkward/anxious and slightly introvert.



    I tried different things and what seemed to work well was sitting next to the person instead of across from them during 1-1s and use a laptop or notes between us to focus on. Most of the time I was focused on the screen while talking and that gave the opportunity to the other person to talk while looking at the screen or notes.



    If you're happy with the meetings' outcome and you're able to communicate fine with your subordinates, then I'd simply try to find a layout for these meetings that makes them more comfortable.






    share|improve this answer



















    • 10





      Was going to suggest this if no one else had. Most men are socialized to interact side by side or around an activity and not face-to-face, since face-to-face means head-to-head which is combative.

      – Dedwards
      14 hours ago











    • @shoover, I didn't, but there's a possibility that some of them are, so my comment stands.

      – Dedwards
      9 hours ago






    • 2





      Don't assume all men are combative.

      – stannius
      8 hours ago













    • Nobody discussing the "spectrum" yet? They are engineers after all. Eye contact is pretty intrusive. Insisting upon it can open up a world of problems. Some people just don't.

      – mckenzm
      2 hours ago
















    35














    I've been in similar situations where people were unable to look me in the eye whilst in a 1-1 meeting. It was pretty clear that they weren't feeling inferior but rather socially awkward/anxious and slightly introvert.



    I tried different things and what seemed to work well was sitting next to the person instead of across from them during 1-1s and use a laptop or notes between us to focus on. Most of the time I was focused on the screen while talking and that gave the opportunity to the other person to talk while looking at the screen or notes.



    If you're happy with the meetings' outcome and you're able to communicate fine with your subordinates, then I'd simply try to find a layout for these meetings that makes them more comfortable.






    share|improve this answer



















    • 10





      Was going to suggest this if no one else had. Most men are socialized to interact side by side or around an activity and not face-to-face, since face-to-face means head-to-head which is combative.

      – Dedwards
      14 hours ago











    • @shoover, I didn't, but there's a possibility that some of them are, so my comment stands.

      – Dedwards
      9 hours ago






    • 2





      Don't assume all men are combative.

      – stannius
      8 hours ago













    • Nobody discussing the "spectrum" yet? They are engineers after all. Eye contact is pretty intrusive. Insisting upon it can open up a world of problems. Some people just don't.

      – mckenzm
      2 hours ago














    35












    35








    35







    I've been in similar situations where people were unable to look me in the eye whilst in a 1-1 meeting. It was pretty clear that they weren't feeling inferior but rather socially awkward/anxious and slightly introvert.



    I tried different things and what seemed to work well was sitting next to the person instead of across from them during 1-1s and use a laptop or notes between us to focus on. Most of the time I was focused on the screen while talking and that gave the opportunity to the other person to talk while looking at the screen or notes.



    If you're happy with the meetings' outcome and you're able to communicate fine with your subordinates, then I'd simply try to find a layout for these meetings that makes them more comfortable.






    share|improve this answer













    I've been in similar situations where people were unable to look me in the eye whilst in a 1-1 meeting. It was pretty clear that they weren't feeling inferior but rather socially awkward/anxious and slightly introvert.



    I tried different things and what seemed to work well was sitting next to the person instead of across from them during 1-1s and use a laptop or notes between us to focus on. Most of the time I was focused on the screen while talking and that gave the opportunity to the other person to talk while looking at the screen or notes.



    If you're happy with the meetings' outcome and you're able to communicate fine with your subordinates, then I'd simply try to find a layout for these meetings that makes them more comfortable.







    share|improve this answer












    share|improve this answer



    share|improve this answer










    answered 15 hours ago









    XanderXander

    533214




    533214








    • 10





      Was going to suggest this if no one else had. Most men are socialized to interact side by side or around an activity and not face-to-face, since face-to-face means head-to-head which is combative.

      – Dedwards
      14 hours ago











    • @shoover, I didn't, but there's a possibility that some of them are, so my comment stands.

      – Dedwards
      9 hours ago






    • 2





      Don't assume all men are combative.

      – stannius
      8 hours ago













    • Nobody discussing the "spectrum" yet? They are engineers after all. Eye contact is pretty intrusive. Insisting upon it can open up a world of problems. Some people just don't.

      – mckenzm
      2 hours ago














    • 10





      Was going to suggest this if no one else had. Most men are socialized to interact side by side or around an activity and not face-to-face, since face-to-face means head-to-head which is combative.

      – Dedwards
      14 hours ago











    • @shoover, I didn't, but there's a possibility that some of them are, so my comment stands.

      – Dedwards
      9 hours ago






    • 2





      Don't assume all men are combative.

      – stannius
      8 hours ago













    • Nobody discussing the "spectrum" yet? They are engineers after all. Eye contact is pretty intrusive. Insisting upon it can open up a world of problems. Some people just don't.

      – mckenzm
      2 hours ago








    10




    10





    Was going to suggest this if no one else had. Most men are socialized to interact side by side or around an activity and not face-to-face, since face-to-face means head-to-head which is combative.

    – Dedwards
    14 hours ago





    Was going to suggest this if no one else had. Most men are socialized to interact side by side or around an activity and not face-to-face, since face-to-face means head-to-head which is combative.

    – Dedwards
    14 hours ago













    @shoover, I didn't, but there's a possibility that some of them are, so my comment stands.

    – Dedwards
    9 hours ago





    @shoover, I didn't, but there's a possibility that some of them are, so my comment stands.

    – Dedwards
    9 hours ago




    2




    2





    Don't assume all men are combative.

    – stannius
    8 hours ago







    Don't assume all men are combative.

    – stannius
    8 hours ago















    Nobody discussing the "spectrum" yet? They are engineers after all. Eye contact is pretty intrusive. Insisting upon it can open up a world of problems. Some people just don't.

    – mckenzm
    2 hours ago





    Nobody discussing the "spectrum" yet? They are engineers after all. Eye contact is pretty intrusive. Insisting upon it can open up a world of problems. Some people just don't.

    – mckenzm
    2 hours ago











    5














    Something that hasn't been mentioned is that they may be thinking.



    When you ask me a technical question, I mentally fire up the equipment and software I'd use to work on the problem for real and then run through possible solutions or approaches.



    I'm mentally looking at things that are somewhere else. My eyes just rove and have very little to do with what I'm looking at.



    I might "park" my peepers staring at blank section of wall or out a window. If I'm really far away, they just stop wherever they were pointed - which may be at you or someone else, causing creepy feelings of "why's he staring at me?"



    So, if you are having a one on one discussion and your coworker is staring off into space, he may be really busy trying to find a solution. Anything you do to prevent them from "spacing out" might cause you to lose out on a better solution to your problems.






    share|improve this answer








    New contributor




    JRE is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
    Check out our Code of Conduct.





















    • I do this too, looking off into space while I think about my answer, but when I'm done thinking I cycle back to eye contact, at least momentarily. The OP didn't mention if the cycling back ever happens or not.

      – Karl Bielefeldt
      3 hours ago
















    5














    Something that hasn't been mentioned is that they may be thinking.



    When you ask me a technical question, I mentally fire up the equipment and software I'd use to work on the problem for real and then run through possible solutions or approaches.



    I'm mentally looking at things that are somewhere else. My eyes just rove and have very little to do with what I'm looking at.



    I might "park" my peepers staring at blank section of wall or out a window. If I'm really far away, they just stop wherever they were pointed - which may be at you or someone else, causing creepy feelings of "why's he staring at me?"



    So, if you are having a one on one discussion and your coworker is staring off into space, he may be really busy trying to find a solution. Anything you do to prevent them from "spacing out" might cause you to lose out on a better solution to your problems.






    share|improve this answer








    New contributor




    JRE is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
    Check out our Code of Conduct.





















    • I do this too, looking off into space while I think about my answer, but when I'm done thinking I cycle back to eye contact, at least momentarily. The OP didn't mention if the cycling back ever happens or not.

      – Karl Bielefeldt
      3 hours ago














    5












    5








    5







    Something that hasn't been mentioned is that they may be thinking.



    When you ask me a technical question, I mentally fire up the equipment and software I'd use to work on the problem for real and then run through possible solutions or approaches.



    I'm mentally looking at things that are somewhere else. My eyes just rove and have very little to do with what I'm looking at.



    I might "park" my peepers staring at blank section of wall or out a window. If I'm really far away, they just stop wherever they were pointed - which may be at you or someone else, causing creepy feelings of "why's he staring at me?"



    So, if you are having a one on one discussion and your coworker is staring off into space, he may be really busy trying to find a solution. Anything you do to prevent them from "spacing out" might cause you to lose out on a better solution to your problems.






    share|improve this answer








    New contributor




    JRE is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
    Check out our Code of Conduct.










    Something that hasn't been mentioned is that they may be thinking.



    When you ask me a technical question, I mentally fire up the equipment and software I'd use to work on the problem for real and then run through possible solutions or approaches.



    I'm mentally looking at things that are somewhere else. My eyes just rove and have very little to do with what I'm looking at.



    I might "park" my peepers staring at blank section of wall or out a window. If I'm really far away, they just stop wherever they were pointed - which may be at you or someone else, causing creepy feelings of "why's he staring at me?"



    So, if you are having a one on one discussion and your coworker is staring off into space, he may be really busy trying to find a solution. Anything you do to prevent them from "spacing out" might cause you to lose out on a better solution to your problems.







    share|improve this answer








    New contributor




    JRE is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
    Check out our Code of Conduct.









    share|improve this answer



    share|improve this answer






    New contributor




    JRE is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
    Check out our Code of Conduct.









    answered 9 hours ago









    JREJRE

    1511




    1511




    New contributor




    JRE is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
    Check out our Code of Conduct.





    New contributor





    JRE is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
    Check out our Code of Conduct.






    JRE is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
    Check out our Code of Conduct.













    • I do this too, looking off into space while I think about my answer, but when I'm done thinking I cycle back to eye contact, at least momentarily. The OP didn't mention if the cycling back ever happens or not.

      – Karl Bielefeldt
      3 hours ago



















    • I do this too, looking off into space while I think about my answer, but when I'm done thinking I cycle back to eye contact, at least momentarily. The OP didn't mention if the cycling back ever happens or not.

      – Karl Bielefeldt
      3 hours ago

















    I do this too, looking off into space while I think about my answer, but when I'm done thinking I cycle back to eye contact, at least momentarily. The OP didn't mention if the cycling back ever happens or not.

    – Karl Bielefeldt
    3 hours ago





    I do this too, looking off into space while I think about my answer, but when I'm done thinking I cycle back to eye contact, at least momentarily. The OP didn't mention if the cycling back ever happens or not.

    – Karl Bielefeldt
    3 hours ago











    4














    I myself find that I can listen better if I'm not making an effort to maintain eye contact. After all, you listen with your ears, not your eyes. Because of this, my own eyes tend to wander during conversation, whether I'm any kind of nervous or not.



    It may be the same for these individuals. You don't know, so don't make assumptions. If they are performing well and can remember what was discussed, it doesn't really matter that they don't maintain eye contact with you, and no additional action is needed.






    share|improve this answer








    New contributor




    MrSpudtastic is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
    Check out our Code of Conduct.
















    • 1





      “You listen with your ears, not your eyes.” This is just straight up wrong. There have been studies that have shown that something like 90% of communication is nonverbal. If you want to do a good job as a listener, you need to use both.

      – nick012000
      1 hour ago
















    4














    I myself find that I can listen better if I'm not making an effort to maintain eye contact. After all, you listen with your ears, not your eyes. Because of this, my own eyes tend to wander during conversation, whether I'm any kind of nervous or not.



    It may be the same for these individuals. You don't know, so don't make assumptions. If they are performing well and can remember what was discussed, it doesn't really matter that they don't maintain eye contact with you, and no additional action is needed.






    share|improve this answer








    New contributor




    MrSpudtastic is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
    Check out our Code of Conduct.
















    • 1





      “You listen with your ears, not your eyes.” This is just straight up wrong. There have been studies that have shown that something like 90% of communication is nonverbal. If you want to do a good job as a listener, you need to use both.

      – nick012000
      1 hour ago














    4












    4








    4







    I myself find that I can listen better if I'm not making an effort to maintain eye contact. After all, you listen with your ears, not your eyes. Because of this, my own eyes tend to wander during conversation, whether I'm any kind of nervous or not.



    It may be the same for these individuals. You don't know, so don't make assumptions. If they are performing well and can remember what was discussed, it doesn't really matter that they don't maintain eye contact with you, and no additional action is needed.






    share|improve this answer








    New contributor




    MrSpudtastic is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
    Check out our Code of Conduct.










    I myself find that I can listen better if I'm not making an effort to maintain eye contact. After all, you listen with your ears, not your eyes. Because of this, my own eyes tend to wander during conversation, whether I'm any kind of nervous or not.



    It may be the same for these individuals. You don't know, so don't make assumptions. If they are performing well and can remember what was discussed, it doesn't really matter that they don't maintain eye contact with you, and no additional action is needed.







    share|improve this answer








    New contributor




    MrSpudtastic is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
    Check out our Code of Conduct.









    share|improve this answer



    share|improve this answer






    New contributor




    MrSpudtastic is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
    Check out our Code of Conduct.









    answered 11 hours ago









    MrSpudtasticMrSpudtastic

    1412




    1412




    New contributor




    MrSpudtastic is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
    Check out our Code of Conduct.





    New contributor





    MrSpudtastic is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
    Check out our Code of Conduct.






    MrSpudtastic is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
    Check out our Code of Conduct.








    • 1





      “You listen with your ears, not your eyes.” This is just straight up wrong. There have been studies that have shown that something like 90% of communication is nonverbal. If you want to do a good job as a listener, you need to use both.

      – nick012000
      1 hour ago














    • 1





      “You listen with your ears, not your eyes.” This is just straight up wrong. There have been studies that have shown that something like 90% of communication is nonverbal. If you want to do a good job as a listener, you need to use both.

      – nick012000
      1 hour ago








    1




    1





    “You listen with your ears, not your eyes.” This is just straight up wrong. There have been studies that have shown that something like 90% of communication is nonverbal. If you want to do a good job as a listener, you need to use both.

    – nick012000
    1 hour ago





    “You listen with your ears, not your eyes.” This is just straight up wrong. There have been studies that have shown that something like 90% of communication is nonverbal. If you want to do a good job as a listener, you need to use both.

    – nick012000
    1 hour ago











    1














    Others have contributed some good thoughts. Some personal perspective:




    1. What sort of training has your employer provided for those new to management? Do they provide skill building materials?

    2. Social skills are a bit less relevant if the job isn't customer facing.

    3. Try not to judge employee on looking in eye, but more on whatever their positive qualities are, and your assessment of their contributions.

    4. Do not make assumptions on character, rush to judgement, or over-simplify based on a few observations.

    5. Don't discuss with other managers at your level. Not necessarily their business...

    6. You do have a mentor responsibility, so think about what that entails and whether social skills are relevant.
      6.a. I've done customer facing work, and not always handled it the best. In that case I was fortunate to have a manager that could skillfully address it, and identify areas to improve, and highlight good parts (so I'm not demoralized). Keep in mind I was hired partially due to better social skills.
      6.b. The other side, purely internally focused work. Just keep in mind everyone is not created equal and some people will not be able to "improve" their social skills. That's OK. Then focus more on whether tasks are getting done, quality of work, etc.






    share|improve this answer








    New contributor




    learning2learn is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
    Check out our Code of Conduct.

























      1














      Others have contributed some good thoughts. Some personal perspective:




      1. What sort of training has your employer provided for those new to management? Do they provide skill building materials?

      2. Social skills are a bit less relevant if the job isn't customer facing.

      3. Try not to judge employee on looking in eye, but more on whatever their positive qualities are, and your assessment of their contributions.

      4. Do not make assumptions on character, rush to judgement, or over-simplify based on a few observations.

      5. Don't discuss with other managers at your level. Not necessarily their business...

      6. You do have a mentor responsibility, so think about what that entails and whether social skills are relevant.
        6.a. I've done customer facing work, and not always handled it the best. In that case I was fortunate to have a manager that could skillfully address it, and identify areas to improve, and highlight good parts (so I'm not demoralized). Keep in mind I was hired partially due to better social skills.
        6.b. The other side, purely internally focused work. Just keep in mind everyone is not created equal and some people will not be able to "improve" their social skills. That's OK. Then focus more on whether tasks are getting done, quality of work, etc.






      share|improve this answer








      New contributor




      learning2learn is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
      Check out our Code of Conduct.























        1












        1








        1







        Others have contributed some good thoughts. Some personal perspective:




        1. What sort of training has your employer provided for those new to management? Do they provide skill building materials?

        2. Social skills are a bit less relevant if the job isn't customer facing.

        3. Try not to judge employee on looking in eye, but more on whatever their positive qualities are, and your assessment of their contributions.

        4. Do not make assumptions on character, rush to judgement, or over-simplify based on a few observations.

        5. Don't discuss with other managers at your level. Not necessarily their business...

        6. You do have a mentor responsibility, so think about what that entails and whether social skills are relevant.
          6.a. I've done customer facing work, and not always handled it the best. In that case I was fortunate to have a manager that could skillfully address it, and identify areas to improve, and highlight good parts (so I'm not demoralized). Keep in mind I was hired partially due to better social skills.
          6.b. The other side, purely internally focused work. Just keep in mind everyone is not created equal and some people will not be able to "improve" their social skills. That's OK. Then focus more on whether tasks are getting done, quality of work, etc.






        share|improve this answer








        New contributor




        learning2learn is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
        Check out our Code of Conduct.










        Others have contributed some good thoughts. Some personal perspective:




        1. What sort of training has your employer provided for those new to management? Do they provide skill building materials?

        2. Social skills are a bit less relevant if the job isn't customer facing.

        3. Try not to judge employee on looking in eye, but more on whatever their positive qualities are, and your assessment of their contributions.

        4. Do not make assumptions on character, rush to judgement, or over-simplify based on a few observations.

        5. Don't discuss with other managers at your level. Not necessarily their business...

        6. You do have a mentor responsibility, so think about what that entails and whether social skills are relevant.
          6.a. I've done customer facing work, and not always handled it the best. In that case I was fortunate to have a manager that could skillfully address it, and identify areas to improve, and highlight good parts (so I'm not demoralized). Keep in mind I was hired partially due to better social skills.
          6.b. The other side, purely internally focused work. Just keep in mind everyone is not created equal and some people will not be able to "improve" their social skills. That's OK. Then focus more on whether tasks are getting done, quality of work, etc.







        share|improve this answer








        New contributor




        learning2learn is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
        Check out our Code of Conduct.









        share|improve this answer



        share|improve this answer






        New contributor




        learning2learn is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
        Check out our Code of Conduct.









        answered 30 mins ago









        learning2learnlearning2learn

        112




        112




        New contributor




        learning2learn is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
        Check out our Code of Conduct.





        New contributor





        learning2learn is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
        Check out our Code of Conduct.






        learning2learn is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
        Check out our Code of Conduct.























            0














            If you have been working with them for a long time and have now become their "superior" this is common to happen. They may have the problem of trying to separate the relationship they used to have with the one they have now.



            There are a few things you can try.



            1- Just give them the room they need, if their performance is not lacking and motivation seems to be the same, leave it as it is. Continue looking at them while they speak and remain professional.



            2 - If you have worked with them for that long and feel the relationship exists there, ask them. While you are on the 1-2-1 tell them you have noticed that they don't seem to be fully comfortable and ask them if they prefer a different approach to the 1-2-1.



            3 - Use an anonymous survey to the entire team regarding current processes, including 1-2-1, PDP and PDR.



            As you said, they are not going to be customer facing, but it is also good to give them the opportunity to develop their interpersonal skills.





            share
























            • I don't understand the downvote on this one. This seems pretty valid.

              – GustavoMP
              14 hours ago






            • 6





              @GustavoMP I'm not the downvoter but the general trend in low score answers to this question is that they assume there's something wrong, the employees are nervous, etc. The truth is some people simply are uncomfortable looking other people in the eyes in any kind of situation or don't know where they are supposed to look or think looking at other person too long would be considered rude. There is nothing wrong with the workplace nor the supervisor.

              – user31389
              13 hours ago













            • @user31389 with that I can agree

              – GustavoMP
              13 hours ago
















            0














            If you have been working with them for a long time and have now become their "superior" this is common to happen. They may have the problem of trying to separate the relationship they used to have with the one they have now.



            There are a few things you can try.



            1- Just give them the room they need, if their performance is not lacking and motivation seems to be the same, leave it as it is. Continue looking at them while they speak and remain professional.



            2 - If you have worked with them for that long and feel the relationship exists there, ask them. While you are on the 1-2-1 tell them you have noticed that they don't seem to be fully comfortable and ask them if they prefer a different approach to the 1-2-1.



            3 - Use an anonymous survey to the entire team regarding current processes, including 1-2-1, PDP and PDR.



            As you said, they are not going to be customer facing, but it is also good to give them the opportunity to develop their interpersonal skills.





            share
























            • I don't understand the downvote on this one. This seems pretty valid.

              – GustavoMP
              14 hours ago






            • 6





              @GustavoMP I'm not the downvoter but the general trend in low score answers to this question is that they assume there's something wrong, the employees are nervous, etc. The truth is some people simply are uncomfortable looking other people in the eyes in any kind of situation or don't know where they are supposed to look or think looking at other person too long would be considered rude. There is nothing wrong with the workplace nor the supervisor.

              – user31389
              13 hours ago













            • @user31389 with that I can agree

              – GustavoMP
              13 hours ago














            0












            0








            0







            If you have been working with them for a long time and have now become their "superior" this is common to happen. They may have the problem of trying to separate the relationship they used to have with the one they have now.



            There are a few things you can try.



            1- Just give them the room they need, if their performance is not lacking and motivation seems to be the same, leave it as it is. Continue looking at them while they speak and remain professional.



            2 - If you have worked with them for that long and feel the relationship exists there, ask them. While you are on the 1-2-1 tell them you have noticed that they don't seem to be fully comfortable and ask them if they prefer a different approach to the 1-2-1.



            3 - Use an anonymous survey to the entire team regarding current processes, including 1-2-1, PDP and PDR.



            As you said, they are not going to be customer facing, but it is also good to give them the opportunity to develop their interpersonal skills.





            share













            If you have been working with them for a long time and have now become their "superior" this is common to happen. They may have the problem of trying to separate the relationship they used to have with the one they have now.



            There are a few things you can try.



            1- Just give them the room they need, if their performance is not lacking and motivation seems to be the same, leave it as it is. Continue looking at them while they speak and remain professional.



            2 - If you have worked with them for that long and feel the relationship exists there, ask them. While you are on the 1-2-1 tell them you have noticed that they don't seem to be fully comfortable and ask them if they prefer a different approach to the 1-2-1.



            3 - Use an anonymous survey to the entire team regarding current processes, including 1-2-1, PDP and PDR.



            As you said, they are not going to be customer facing, but it is also good to give them the opportunity to develop their interpersonal skills.






            share











            share


            share










            answered 15 hours ago









            fireshark519fireshark519

            1,435115




            1,435115













            • I don't understand the downvote on this one. This seems pretty valid.

              – GustavoMP
              14 hours ago






            • 6





              @GustavoMP I'm not the downvoter but the general trend in low score answers to this question is that they assume there's something wrong, the employees are nervous, etc. The truth is some people simply are uncomfortable looking other people in the eyes in any kind of situation or don't know where they are supposed to look or think looking at other person too long would be considered rude. There is nothing wrong with the workplace nor the supervisor.

              – user31389
              13 hours ago













            • @user31389 with that I can agree

              – GustavoMP
              13 hours ago



















            • I don't understand the downvote on this one. This seems pretty valid.

              – GustavoMP
              14 hours ago






            • 6





              @GustavoMP I'm not the downvoter but the general trend in low score answers to this question is that they assume there's something wrong, the employees are nervous, etc. The truth is some people simply are uncomfortable looking other people in the eyes in any kind of situation or don't know where they are supposed to look or think looking at other person too long would be considered rude. There is nothing wrong with the workplace nor the supervisor.

              – user31389
              13 hours ago













            • @user31389 with that I can agree

              – GustavoMP
              13 hours ago

















            I don't understand the downvote on this one. This seems pretty valid.

            – GustavoMP
            14 hours ago





            I don't understand the downvote on this one. This seems pretty valid.

            – GustavoMP
            14 hours ago




            6




            6





            @GustavoMP I'm not the downvoter but the general trend in low score answers to this question is that they assume there's something wrong, the employees are nervous, etc. The truth is some people simply are uncomfortable looking other people in the eyes in any kind of situation or don't know where they are supposed to look or think looking at other person too long would be considered rude. There is nothing wrong with the workplace nor the supervisor.

            – user31389
            13 hours ago







            @GustavoMP I'm not the downvoter but the general trend in low score answers to this question is that they assume there's something wrong, the employees are nervous, etc. The truth is some people simply are uncomfortable looking other people in the eyes in any kind of situation or don't know where they are supposed to look or think looking at other person too long would be considered rude. There is nothing wrong with the workplace nor the supervisor.

            – user31389
            13 hours ago















            @user31389 with that I can agree

            – GustavoMP
            13 hours ago





            @user31389 with that I can agree

            – GustavoMP
            13 hours ago











            -1














            Most likely they are nervous. Many employees will feel nervous talking to their manager 1 on 1. Add the fact that you are their new manager, talking about their tasks and performance and this nervous factor can increase. Add the fact that they are engineers, who in many cases are introverts, and you can understand how elevated their nerves must be.



            There isn't anything to change on your part as far as smiling and looking at them. What you can do, before the meeting, is try to calm them down and make it clear that the meeting isn't an official review or that they aren't being punished for anything.






            share|improve this answer



















            • 3





              I am not the person OP is talking about but I am like them, I do not do well with eye to eye contact. Nothing to do with nerves. I just do not like it. (I might be Autistic, but high functional and have not other problems.)

              – Willeke
              10 hours ago
















            -1














            Most likely they are nervous. Many employees will feel nervous talking to their manager 1 on 1. Add the fact that you are their new manager, talking about their tasks and performance and this nervous factor can increase. Add the fact that they are engineers, who in many cases are introverts, and you can understand how elevated their nerves must be.



            There isn't anything to change on your part as far as smiling and looking at them. What you can do, before the meeting, is try to calm them down and make it clear that the meeting isn't an official review or that they aren't being punished for anything.






            share|improve this answer



















            • 3





              I am not the person OP is talking about but I am like them, I do not do well with eye to eye contact. Nothing to do with nerves. I just do not like it. (I might be Autistic, but high functional and have not other problems.)

              – Willeke
              10 hours ago














            -1












            -1








            -1







            Most likely they are nervous. Many employees will feel nervous talking to their manager 1 on 1. Add the fact that you are their new manager, talking about their tasks and performance and this nervous factor can increase. Add the fact that they are engineers, who in many cases are introverts, and you can understand how elevated their nerves must be.



            There isn't anything to change on your part as far as smiling and looking at them. What you can do, before the meeting, is try to calm them down and make it clear that the meeting isn't an official review or that they aren't being punished for anything.






            share|improve this answer













            Most likely they are nervous. Many employees will feel nervous talking to their manager 1 on 1. Add the fact that you are their new manager, talking about their tasks and performance and this nervous factor can increase. Add the fact that they are engineers, who in many cases are introverts, and you can understand how elevated their nerves must be.



            There isn't anything to change on your part as far as smiling and looking at them. What you can do, before the meeting, is try to calm them down and make it clear that the meeting isn't an official review or that they aren't being punished for anything.







            share|improve this answer












            share|improve this answer



            share|improve this answer










            answered 15 hours ago









            sf02sf02

            9,22451539




            9,22451539








            • 3





              I am not the person OP is talking about but I am like them, I do not do well with eye to eye contact. Nothing to do with nerves. I just do not like it. (I might be Autistic, but high functional and have not other problems.)

              – Willeke
              10 hours ago














            • 3





              I am not the person OP is talking about but I am like them, I do not do well with eye to eye contact. Nothing to do with nerves. I just do not like it. (I might be Autistic, but high functional and have not other problems.)

              – Willeke
              10 hours ago








            3




            3





            I am not the person OP is talking about but I am like them, I do not do well with eye to eye contact. Nothing to do with nerves. I just do not like it. (I might be Autistic, but high functional and have not other problems.)

            – Willeke
            10 hours ago





            I am not the person OP is talking about but I am like them, I do not do well with eye to eye contact. Nothing to do with nerves. I just do not like it. (I might be Autistic, but high functional and have not other problems.)

            – Willeke
            10 hours ago











            -2














            In America, it's common for companies to do "team-building" exercises. They usually consist of the team going to lunch, or having a gathering off site with families, even. It's to allow people get to know each other in casual situations, and this can help with a person viewing their boss/manager as a person, not just an authority to be scared of.



            Perhaps this isn't an option, but for whatever reason they seem to fear you. Might just be a cultural thing...but you need to try to find a way to break through that.






            share|improve this answer



















            • 2





              Doesn't seem like they fear him from what he said.

              – kiradotee
              13 hours ago
















            -2














            In America, it's common for companies to do "team-building" exercises. They usually consist of the team going to lunch, or having a gathering off site with families, even. It's to allow people get to know each other in casual situations, and this can help with a person viewing their boss/manager as a person, not just an authority to be scared of.



            Perhaps this isn't an option, but for whatever reason they seem to fear you. Might just be a cultural thing...but you need to try to find a way to break through that.






            share|improve this answer



















            • 2





              Doesn't seem like they fear him from what he said.

              – kiradotee
              13 hours ago














            -2












            -2








            -2







            In America, it's common for companies to do "team-building" exercises. They usually consist of the team going to lunch, or having a gathering off site with families, even. It's to allow people get to know each other in casual situations, and this can help with a person viewing their boss/manager as a person, not just an authority to be scared of.



            Perhaps this isn't an option, but for whatever reason they seem to fear you. Might just be a cultural thing...but you need to try to find a way to break through that.






            share|improve this answer













            In America, it's common for companies to do "team-building" exercises. They usually consist of the team going to lunch, or having a gathering off site with families, even. It's to allow people get to know each other in casual situations, and this can help with a person viewing their boss/manager as a person, not just an authority to be scared of.



            Perhaps this isn't an option, but for whatever reason they seem to fear you. Might just be a cultural thing...but you need to try to find a way to break through that.







            share|improve this answer












            share|improve this answer



            share|improve this answer










            answered 15 hours ago









            KeithKeith

            92110




            92110








            • 2





              Doesn't seem like they fear him from what he said.

              – kiradotee
              13 hours ago














            • 2





              Doesn't seem like they fear him from what he said.

              – kiradotee
              13 hours ago








            2




            2





            Doesn't seem like they fear him from what he said.

            – kiradotee
            13 hours ago





            Doesn't seem like they fear him from what he said.

            – kiradotee
            13 hours ago











            -2














            Although there are some good examples of things you can do to get around this uncomfortable feeling mentioned by others.



            The main thing here should be to build your coworkers confidence (restless eyes are caused by nerves and lack of confidence) rather than find more ways they can avoid eye contact. Eye contact is a very important skill and should not be overlooked as it's the main way to connect during conversation. It's not something that should be avoided no matter who you are.



            That being said




            (all great, no hard conversations)




            They might not be uncomfortable but just nervous during these 121's. You get what you need and conversation is still flowing. If colleagues were uncomfortable there would likely be rushed speech or stutters along with lack of eye contact






            share|improve this answer





















            • 5





              There are many cultures that do not view "Eye Contact" as an important business or professional skill. For example, I work with Japanese partners where the business culture in meetings is to look down and "listen" with perhaps the exception of the person being directly addressed, even closing eyes is considered normal, and it took me a while to get used to speaking at meetings and to trust that they are listening intently even if they look like they are sleeping (although, sometimes they are).

              – crasic
              12 hours ago













            • "Restless eyes are caused by nerves and lack of confidence" that is not true for me. I have a hard time looking people in the eye, but I would definitely not be categorized as someone lacking confidence or having nerves. I simply don't like to. It's never caused me any problems in business, in fact, i think it has helped, because too much eye contact can be seen as rude and aggressive where I am (pnw in the US)

              – user87779
              8 hours ago


















            -2














            Although there are some good examples of things you can do to get around this uncomfortable feeling mentioned by others.



            The main thing here should be to build your coworkers confidence (restless eyes are caused by nerves and lack of confidence) rather than find more ways they can avoid eye contact. Eye contact is a very important skill and should not be overlooked as it's the main way to connect during conversation. It's not something that should be avoided no matter who you are.



            That being said




            (all great, no hard conversations)




            They might not be uncomfortable but just nervous during these 121's. You get what you need and conversation is still flowing. If colleagues were uncomfortable there would likely be rushed speech or stutters along with lack of eye contact






            share|improve this answer





















            • 5





              There are many cultures that do not view "Eye Contact" as an important business or professional skill. For example, I work with Japanese partners where the business culture in meetings is to look down and "listen" with perhaps the exception of the person being directly addressed, even closing eyes is considered normal, and it took me a while to get used to speaking at meetings and to trust that they are listening intently even if they look like they are sleeping (although, sometimes they are).

              – crasic
              12 hours ago













            • "Restless eyes are caused by nerves and lack of confidence" that is not true for me. I have a hard time looking people in the eye, but I would definitely not be categorized as someone lacking confidence or having nerves. I simply don't like to. It's never caused me any problems in business, in fact, i think it has helped, because too much eye contact can be seen as rude and aggressive where I am (pnw in the US)

              – user87779
              8 hours ago
















            -2












            -2








            -2







            Although there are some good examples of things you can do to get around this uncomfortable feeling mentioned by others.



            The main thing here should be to build your coworkers confidence (restless eyes are caused by nerves and lack of confidence) rather than find more ways they can avoid eye contact. Eye contact is a very important skill and should not be overlooked as it's the main way to connect during conversation. It's not something that should be avoided no matter who you are.



            That being said




            (all great, no hard conversations)




            They might not be uncomfortable but just nervous during these 121's. You get what you need and conversation is still flowing. If colleagues were uncomfortable there would likely be rushed speech or stutters along with lack of eye contact






            share|improve this answer















            Although there are some good examples of things you can do to get around this uncomfortable feeling mentioned by others.



            The main thing here should be to build your coworkers confidence (restless eyes are caused by nerves and lack of confidence) rather than find more ways they can avoid eye contact. Eye contact is a very important skill and should not be overlooked as it's the main way to connect during conversation. It's not something that should be avoided no matter who you are.



            That being said




            (all great, no hard conversations)




            They might not be uncomfortable but just nervous during these 121's. You get what you need and conversation is still flowing. If colleagues were uncomfortable there would likely be rushed speech or stutters along with lack of eye contact







            share|improve this answer














            share|improve this answer



            share|improve this answer








            edited 15 hours ago

























            answered 15 hours ago









            TwyxzTwyxz

            13.4k104081




            13.4k104081








            • 5





              There are many cultures that do not view "Eye Contact" as an important business or professional skill. For example, I work with Japanese partners where the business culture in meetings is to look down and "listen" with perhaps the exception of the person being directly addressed, even closing eyes is considered normal, and it took me a while to get used to speaking at meetings and to trust that they are listening intently even if they look like they are sleeping (although, sometimes they are).

              – crasic
              12 hours ago













            • "Restless eyes are caused by nerves and lack of confidence" that is not true for me. I have a hard time looking people in the eye, but I would definitely not be categorized as someone lacking confidence or having nerves. I simply don't like to. It's never caused me any problems in business, in fact, i think it has helped, because too much eye contact can be seen as rude and aggressive where I am (pnw in the US)

              – user87779
              8 hours ago
















            • 5





              There are many cultures that do not view "Eye Contact" as an important business or professional skill. For example, I work with Japanese partners where the business culture in meetings is to look down and "listen" with perhaps the exception of the person being directly addressed, even closing eyes is considered normal, and it took me a while to get used to speaking at meetings and to trust that they are listening intently even if they look like they are sleeping (although, sometimes they are).

              – crasic
              12 hours ago













            • "Restless eyes are caused by nerves and lack of confidence" that is not true for me. I have a hard time looking people in the eye, but I would definitely not be categorized as someone lacking confidence or having nerves. I simply don't like to. It's never caused me any problems in business, in fact, i think it has helped, because too much eye contact can be seen as rude and aggressive where I am (pnw in the US)

              – user87779
              8 hours ago










            5




            5





            There are many cultures that do not view "Eye Contact" as an important business or professional skill. For example, I work with Japanese partners where the business culture in meetings is to look down and "listen" with perhaps the exception of the person being directly addressed, even closing eyes is considered normal, and it took me a while to get used to speaking at meetings and to trust that they are listening intently even if they look like they are sleeping (although, sometimes they are).

            – crasic
            12 hours ago







            There are many cultures that do not view "Eye Contact" as an important business or professional skill. For example, I work with Japanese partners where the business culture in meetings is to look down and "listen" with perhaps the exception of the person being directly addressed, even closing eyes is considered normal, and it took me a while to get used to speaking at meetings and to trust that they are listening intently even if they look like they are sleeping (although, sometimes they are).

            – crasic
            12 hours ago















            "Restless eyes are caused by nerves and lack of confidence" that is not true for me. I have a hard time looking people in the eye, but I would definitely not be categorized as someone lacking confidence or having nerves. I simply don't like to. It's never caused me any problems in business, in fact, i think it has helped, because too much eye contact can be seen as rude and aggressive where I am (pnw in the US)

            – user87779
            8 hours ago







            "Restless eyes are caused by nerves and lack of confidence" that is not true for me. I have a hard time looking people in the eye, but I would definitely not be categorized as someone lacking confidence or having nerves. I simply don't like to. It's never caused me any problems in business, in fact, i think it has helped, because too much eye contact can be seen as rude and aggressive where I am (pnw in the US)

            – user87779
            8 hours ago




















            draft saved

            draft discarded




















































            Thanks for contributing an answer to The Workplace Stack Exchange!


            • Please be sure to answer the question. Provide details and share your research!

            But avoid



            • Asking for help, clarification, or responding to other answers.

            • Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience.


            To learn more, see our tips on writing great answers.




            draft saved


            draft discarded














            StackExchange.ready(
            function () {
            StackExchange.openid.initPostLogin('.new-post-login', 'https%3a%2f%2fworkplace.stackexchange.com%2fquestions%2f132180%2fwhat-to-do-when-eye-contact-makes-your-coworker-uncomfortable%23new-answer', 'question_page');
            }
            );

            Post as a guest















            Required, but never shown





















































            Required, but never shown














            Required, but never shown












            Required, but never shown







            Required, but never shown

































            Required, but never shown














            Required, but never shown












            Required, but never shown







            Required, but never shown











            Popular posts from this blog

            How to make a Squid Proxy server?

            Is this a new Fibonacci Identity?

            19世紀