By Greenbank Partner Judith Hirst, inspired by Rick Brenner
So much of our time at work is spent in meetings. Some may use telephone/video conferencing however some of our key meetings will be the more traditional setting of a conference room. So, when you attend a meeting, how do you choose your seat at the table?
Your choice of seat can have a significant impact on your ability to influence the outcome of the meeting, the status others ascribe to you both in the current meeting but also in your 'reputation' which will impact your effectiveness in future meetings.
So the next time you enter a meeting room give some thought to the best location for you which offers the best opportunity for you to perform at your best. Here are some guidelines to help you to select the most appropriate seat which will help you to achieve your meeting goals.
If you are chairing/ leading the meeting...
If the room is set in classroom or theatre style your choice is clear - the front is for you. But if the room is set up in a boardroom style the Chair will usually take the "power position" at one end of the table. However, if the table is longer than 10-15 feet/3-5 meters the radius of power will be over reached especially if the meeting includes active participation and discussion. If this is the case then the middle of the table will offer greater control.
Whatever the room layout most rooms have a 'sweet spot'- the seat which has line of sight to the doors, windows, whiteboards, projection screen, video screen and the other participants. The 'sweet spot' usually provides the most advantageous position for influencing the flow of the meeting. However, take care if you are not the Chair it is best to avoid the sweet spot. In some cultures, sitting there may be seen as disrespectful, and even where it isn't, you could be asked to move.
If you want to actively participate...
Sitting near the centre of action of the meeting gives you an advantage if you want to contribute or influence the flow of the meeting. If you aren't a key contributor, and if you want to stay out of the action, choose a corner.
Keep your friends close....
Sit beside anyone you want to network with. During breaks or at the close of the meeting it will be easier to chat and connect. Sitting on the "door side" makes chatting even easier and more natural when the meeting breaks up.
Keep your 'enemies' close too......
Although this may seem counter-intuitive, it is better to sit next to someone with whom you may have a more hostile or combative relationship. It is much more difficult to be aggressive or 'difficult' with someone who is sitting close to you. An adjacent seat will be less threatening. Whereas it is much easier, especially for men, to be confrontational if you position yourself opposite one another
Stay out of the cross fire......
If you think that there could be some conflict or heated argument between other meeting participants try to put some distance between you and them. This will help you avoid being caught in the cross-fire, an uncomfortable position at best and one that might make it difficult for you to get your own point of view heard. Keep a safe distance unless you want to demonstrate your support or allegiance to one of the combatants.
Maintaining line of sight...
Eye contact is an important at meetings. It can help you recognise who is supporting your argument and who is not. The ability to form alliances within a meeting is a key component in effective influencing as you will usually need to attract the support of key players to sway opinion and get agreement. If you anticipate exchanges with someone in particular, sit where you can both see each other. If you aren't chairing the meeting, sit so that the Chair is in your field of vision so you can indicate your need to make an input and get their attention. If you are attending a meeting with a colleague it may be better to sit apart so that together you have a wider field of influence however, make sure that you have a clear line of sight to one another.
Making an entrance....
First impressions really do count and we form these in as little as 8 seconds. After that most people simply gather further data to support those first impressions. So make your first entrance count.
An early arrival will give you the benefit of being able to choose your idea seat rather than those who arrive at the last moment-or later- and have to take whatever seat is still free. It also allows you arrive at your own speed, to walk into the room assured and confident and to take your time to arrange your documentation and materials around you. Having the reputation as someone who is calm, composed and professional will increase your ability to influence others.
How you sit will also make a difference, sit tall in your seat - a high position is a more powerful position. Choose a seat that's relatively high, or adjust your seat so that you sit high however if you do If you do adjust your seat, do it subtly!
Taking your leave.....
If you arrive early enough you may want to choose a seat with an easy exit especially if you know that you may need to leave the meeting before its formal close. If you arrive late, the "exit row" seating might already be occupied.
If all else fails...
Of course sometimes you will not be able to take your ideal seat in which case all is not lost. You will just have to find other ways to influence and create a strong impact on the meeting. But in the world of influence sometimes even a light edge will be important, so when possible make sure that you are able to consciously make a choice and take the right seat at the table.
