13 Facial Expressions Good Bosses Can Read (and Most Usually Don’t)

The expression on the rest of an employee’s face might be unreadable, but squinted eyes? That’s someone who is mad or irritated.

How do you spot disgust? It’s hard, because the employee might be really upset or just irritated. My advice: If you see this look, ask a question.

Annoyance can be easy to spot–it’s not so “micro” after all. And yet, not everyone shows it in a revealing way. Look for a slight repulsion and, more importantly, sudden disinterest.

Woke up on the wrong side of the bed? Cranky? Or does this person simply not like what you’re saying? The folded arms give it all away, but pay attention to the topic as well.

One finger on the chin, mouth in a frown. That could be a sign of being interested and highly aware of the topic. Interestingly, squinted eyes can show interest or disdain.

Of course, some expressions are obvious–this person is happy. And yet, in a meeting or one-on-one discussion you can look for happiness in other ways. See if someone is paying attention and stays clued in.

Outright disdain shows up as a frown, a pout, and maybe a raised eyebrow. You might also pay attention to an employee who suddenly goes silent and loses all interest.

Here’s one that might require some analytical skills. Sarcasm looks jovial and fun, but it might be a sign of mistrust or even disdain.

It can be hard to tell the difference between an employee acting tired or bored. Sometimes, you might have to actually ask which one it is.

Here’s a favorite of mine. Is the person at left ridiculing you? Or poking fun? Or just being coy? Look for the eye roll and listen closely to what the employee is saying. It really helps.

Speaking of the eye roll, it can be hard to detect. Often, it’s quick and maybe behind your back. Mouth open? Bored look? They are all dead giveaways that something is amiss.

OK, sometimes a frustrated look is obvious. Sometimes, the employee is just tired and overworked. Look for signs of exasperation like sighs, eye rolls, and the dreaded pierced nose gesture.

Joy is hard to contain, but it can be subtle. Look for a bubbling excitement, a sense that all is well in the world, and there’s a sense of peace.