How to Read Business Body Language Like a Pro - 4th tip

A Canadian businesswoman, on a trip in India, stopped at the hotel’s concierge desk to ask about transportation to her meeting. “Does the hotel have a car service you could recommend?” The man behind the counter shook his head from side to side. “Was there taxi service to the office building?” Again, the man shook his head. Frustrated, the woman asked, “Well, how can I get there?” The man behind the counter calmly answered, “Whichever you prefer,” while still moving his head from side to side. In most parts of the world, shaking the head up and down indicates “yes” and shaking the head left to right indicates “no”. However, Indians tend to shake their heads about 270 degrees to indicate a “yes” as well as a “no.” This is a confusing gesture for people who do not understand the prevalence of this practice in the sub-continent.

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© 2012 Carol Kinsey-Goman

Labels: body language  carol kinsey goman  leadership