If a sales associate leans back with hands behind their head while a client is speaking, what message are they likely conveying?

When a sales associate leans back with their hands behind their head while a client is speaking, they are likely conveying a sense of superiority. This posture is often interpreted as relaxed and confident, which can come across as dismissive or suggest that the associate feels more knowledgeable or important than the client. Body language plays a crucial role in communication, and such a stance could signal a lack of engagement or a belittling attitude towards the client's concerns or opinions.

In contrast, other postures that demonstrate interest or respect typically involve leaning forward, maintaining eye contact, and using open gestures that invite dialogue. Empathy is also expressed through active listening and responsive body language, which is much more aligned with being engaged and supportive in the conversation. Thus, leaning back with hands behind the head tends to disrupt connection with the client rather than build rapport, reinforcing the interpretation of superiority in this context.