THE ART OF SITTING: WHERE AND HOW

There 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.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT SETTING

When planning a meeting, consider the audience for the meeting and the intended results. Is the purpose to encourage an open brainstorming session amongst a team, or deliver a specific agenda from an authoritative perspective, or a one-on-one session to deliver constructive coaching? Choosing the best setting for type of conversation is essential.

SQUARE SEATING

Often reserved for smaller conversations, a square table creates an opponent across from you and an ally beside you. This kind of setting, especially with a group of 4, can subconsciously shift a conversation in an unproductive manner and is discouraged where possible.

RECTANGULAR SEATING

Rectangular tables or desks create a more professional conversation space, while allowing people to select a comfortable position at the table that encourages direct eye contact and formal dialogue.

CIRCULAR SEATING

Sitting around a circular table or seating area does not have a physical “head” of the table seat, offering equal positioning and can lend to more fluid and transparent discussion.

BE AWARE OF YOUR POSITIONING

While many body language cues are dependant upon many environmental factors specific to a scenario and its surroundings, paying attention to these cues can not only help you read a room and adjust your messaging as needed, but can also help you be more aware of your own personal movements as it relates to your how you feel in certain circumstances.

“A quick way to identify comfort or discomfort is through foot posture and positioning,” says Neil. “Emotion and intention are most honestly represented in the feet because of our primal instincts. As noted in my upcoming book release, the feet and legs have been the most representative of the freeze, fight or flight mechanism of movement and reaction, not requiring high level thought through cognitive processing. Like being exposed to danger or even frightened our feet are the key body parts to react.” Said Neil.

“It’s best to avoid making quick assessments, as the combination of movements is often key. Observe changes associated with the situation, for example beginning a meeting with an audience crossing their arms may shift as the dialogue opens up, and it’s important to see those cues as well,” says Neil. “My best advice to leaders is to change it up often, from the space that is chosen to where and how you personally sit,” says Neil.

Making a conscious effort to acknowledge the setting and the seating can go a long way, and whether you are leading or attending a meeting, observing the cues and behaviours of yourself and others can provide tremendous benefit to ensuring more productive outcomes.

Many positions have different meaning when combined with others

For example, a crossed leg can represent a barrier if hands are clasped on the knee or the upper body is closed off, whereas a crossed leg can show ease and comfort when the upper body is more open. Some other cues worth noting are:

• Sitting Up Straight:

Often displays confidence, strength, and of course good posture.

• Sitting Reclined:

Can indicate an analytical or considerate mindset.

• Crossing Arms:

Can reveal strength and confidence, but could also be defensiveness, or simply a measure of holding in physical warmth.

• Folding Hands in Lap:

Often represents a sense of calm, peace, or kindness.

Neil Thornton: President The Thornton Group

Neil specializes in business strategy planning, development, coaching and business training and HR recruitment. Neil has a unique talent for understanding the psychology behind employee behaviour, engagement and corporate culture and vision.