SEPTEMBER 2021 |
65
The Art of Sitting:
by Erin King
T
here is an unspoken art to seating arrangements that can dramatically impact your business and your professional performance. Whether you are hosting or attending a meeting, taking a few minutes to reflect on how you organize and approach the physical act of where and how you and others may sit can improve the outcome of future meetings and contribute to a more effective environment for all. Specializing in business strategy and consultation, Neil Thornton, President of the Thornton Group, possesses highly unique expertise understanding human psychology, behaviors, and body language cues. For 20 years he has shared his experience with businesses in Niagara, Hamilton, and the Greater Toronto Area. “Several organizations are taking the table out of the equation when planning a meeting, encouraging complete openness and in the dialogue. It is also a physical way to remove any perceived dominance,” says Neil Thornton, President of The Thornton Group. “More meetings are being held in open, outdoor spaces, walking meetings around the building or in the parking lot. There is a lot to be said for a ‘around the campfire’ discussion amongst a team or a group of leaders.” Said Neil.
TAKING A SEAT Upon entering a meeting, there is merit behind selecting a seat that is conducive to how you want to represent yourself throughout that conversation. • The ends of a rectangle-shaped table are the power seats reserved for the leader and challenger or closest ally. • Directly left and right of the head are the second most powerful seats. • If you take a middle seat in a larger group, you'll blend in, so you'll have to work a bit harder to be heard. • Sideline seats are for junior team members or those who don't want to participate.
“When I join a meeting that has a large table like a boardroom table, I choose a seat along one end of the length side, not in the centre, so that I have a good vantage point to listen and observe,” says Neil.
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REVEAL NIAGARA BUSINESS MAGAZINE
| VOL. 2 | ISSUE 3
