The shape of your table at home or work speaks a great deal
about what it conveys. Round tables tend to make people feel more like equals
where no one has an advantage. Rectangular and boat shaped tables empower
people at opposite ends. It is no coincidence that VIPs usually reserve their
seats for this purpose. Interestingly enough, even shy individuals sometimes feel more empowered when they sit in these positions. This dynamic is so powerful
that taking someone else's seat can lead to animosity between rivals that
carries on long after a conference. Messing with the pecking order is always
risky and in this regard, we are no better than a pack of wolves.
Nobody likes to play second fiddle and some salesmen will do
anything to gain an edge. It may sound silly and immature but there can only be
one alpha wolf in a pack and every position away from the alpha wolf potentially
creates greater disconnect. A highly confident person may not feel belittled by
seating position but if that position emboldens your competition, it may still
reduce your impact during a meeting.
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