Professional actors learn to watch others and study the way words combine with behavior for different meanings. These performers consciously choose their behavior in a scene to combine with words for a desired effect. They understand that sometimes what a person is thinking might not match what they are doing. When aiming for a portrayal of honesty and truth, they are thinking honest thoughts, they are matching their words to their actions so their words support their behavior. These performers are also aware of the disconnect between thoughts, words and actions. When done effectively, dissonance between thoughts, words and actions makes good theatre and we can see the character lying, conniving or trying to deceive.
Think of your favorite movie, TV show or play, consider those scenes where a character is saying one thing but thinking and doing another. Sometimes it is played for comic effect. Sometimes it heightens the drama or the mystery. As we watch those scenes it is obvious to us what is going on.
Great leaders understand that it is obvious in real life, too! People know when you're lying because they see that your words don't match your behavior. They come to the conclusion that you must be thinking something devious or untruthful if your words don't match your behavior!
Do you have co-workers who say one thing but do another? Do you trust them? Do you call them out or let it slide?
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