Once a person enters a classroom, all he is initially thinking of is, that where should he or she must be seated. Though it may seem like an absurd topic to discuss, however what one does not know a lot of times is that choosing a seat is not something we do randomly, but by carefully choosing a seat which is according to an individual’s power and way of communicating with people and his pals. Astonishing, isn’t it? I know right!
Seating positions may show how a person thinks differently, approaches people differently and would want to take decisions in their own way which signifies how every human mind is unique in its own way. Whether it be a classroom of students in a school or an office place where a meeting is held and employees are getting ready to be seated, we will instantly see how each of them may want to be seated differently according to their own needs and personalities.
Let us figure out the scenario that lies behind this decision-making process of a person.
Choose your seat wisely. It matters!
It is extremely crucial that everyone must be aware of the way getting seated may help you create a positive impression on your employees or co-workers. Considering when a meeting is being held, we convey the people we are working with what we are thinking about and about information regarding what we might be doing, which are ways in which the other person may know you more.
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The way an individual is seated shows how one may want to pursue his career in the business, how one may want to contribute towards the tasks at hand and may want to communicate with their employees. All the signs are evident. These decisions maybe considered not really significant but only a smart person knows how effectively they can influence people around you with whom you are working on a day to day basis.
Choose wisely when you are at work.
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We usually sit with people considering what kind of a relationship we share with them and who they are to us. If the person we are hanging out with, is our family member or spouse, so we may consider sitting across them in a restaurant or anywhere we are, as it signifies that partners do love each other and may prefer to live together on harmonious terms and conditions.
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On other hand, the seating position with a coworker is different as we may want to stay within certain boundaries that are encouraged at workplace or may be a sign of respect towards the other person. Cooperation is necessary at work, but getting into someone too much, may not be appreciated at all. There are some interesting ways you may opt for when deciding where you must sit when you are at work or not.
What do you want to accomplish? Sit accordingly!
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Planning beforehand is essential by all means, especially when you are working at your workplace with different people. It is crucial that a person should have mentally prepared himself of the aims one has to accomplish accordingly. It can prove to be beneficial if you are clear about the things you want to gain while attending an informational meeting or get together that may even be informal at sometimes. Choosing a seat which helps you understand everything fully in a meeting and get the knowledge which you think is crucial to be known. So be careful next time!
Trust can be maintained by getting the best seat.
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Everyone wants to maintain a healthy relationship with the person they will be sitting with. It is essential that one should choose a seating position that may convey to other person that both of the will work effectively together, and constructive discussions may be encouraged rather than arguments. It also shows how people may want to approach others with respect in order to maintain better relationships where they can indulge in activities that make progress in work.
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The corner, in which you are situated makes a huge difference / Being a right hand man, may make you stand out from other people. Choosing the right direction to sit, makes you have a powerful stance. This may be because mainly people have right side as their dominant side, thus the right handed individual can be trusted and connects with the person with a feeling of familiarity. You appear more harmless, seemingly making it easier for people to trust you.
Sit with your back facing a solid wall rather than a door. The person who is seated comfortably against the wall, will not be suspicious of people sneaking in or some activity happening behind his back of which is unaware of. Thus a great position with the back facing the wall, where one can see comfortably what is happening ahead of them is an ideal position.
What if you are a leader?
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If you are leading a team, or trying to aim for being promoted, you need an ideal position of power, before your subjects aka colleagues. It should deliver a message that you appear confident and bold, with your head totally in the game.
Sit at the head side of the table. The person who sits there automatically imparts power, He is automatically leading the conversation, governing and taking charge of the situation. It is human psychology to believe whoever is situated at the centre is in charge. Sitting at the head position may be the answer if people do not take your opinions seriously, this strategic position plus a tone of confidence will surely do the job.
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The confidence boost that you get from being seated at the head position may be destroyed if you are seated with your back towards the door. You may constantly need to turn as people enter the room, or your attention may be divided. Keep your back towards the wall for a solid support. If a boss or a manger takes the head position do not be utterly disappointed. Sit on the seat located in the middle.
The middle seat is the second best position for a leader. It allows you to mediate conversations and dominate them, steering it along the topics you want to be discussed. You are there as an amalgamation force, who will incorporate ideas and do an excellent presentation. Leaders who are seated in the middle, tend to ask leading questions, you make sure that the discussion moves in the right direction. Having your co workers on both sides, keeps you at a safe position, you exude confidence and feel protected with this position at the table.
What to do if you are an organizer?
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People who organize events often lack an insight how people should be seated in order to engage them effectively and manage the audience. A few such examples of this gathering could be a classroom, an important presentation or lecture. The seating arrangement plays an important part in how smoothly an event plays out. Use your brain smartly and use the tips mentioned below for smartly leading your important event.
Use a round or a square shaped tables for your important date. Try to pick oval or rectangular shaped tables to effectively engage your audience. Since there are no distinct corners and a position at the head, there is a great chance that everyone will equally participate in the conversation. If you can choose your tables, pick round ones over square or rectangular ones. A round table makes you feel further secure as you can view everyone on the table, it imparts a great sense of security and protection. It is best for a good friendly conversation or group planning.
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At a table that is rectilinear in orientation, people who are sharply placed opposite each other are more likely to engage in conflicts and arguments, which may be counterintuitive to your event. This promotes hostility and opposition amongst team members.
Avoid making people sit in a seating arrangement shaped in the form of rows. That may be an effective old school system of arranging students in classroom or lecture, but it is not an effective way in which others can interact with each other easily. Many people have broken down this traditional setting, arranging it in an oval or round shape promotes a healthy environment inculcating a sense of security that will promote dialogues of discussion.
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Rows promote a hierarchy of attention, people who are located at the back, fight for attention and are often isolated from what happens in the class. People who are interested in the class the best student s tend to sit in the front rows, so they can benefit most from the knowledge. The students on both sides of will feel aloof from the class conversation. If you require as a teacher effective planning and discussion, then seat the students at round tables, dividing them into smaller groups so they can effectively plan out projects. Everyone will be forced to interact with each other, and no one will feel isolated or cornered.
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Now with this great knowledge of effective seating arrangements now you can leave a great psychological impact, this way you can achieve goals effectively. You will notice a difference in the atmosphere of important events and they will never be the same. You will have a new position fo authority and power over your coworkers which may open several opportunities that will knock at your doorstep.
Someone sitting at the right hand side may appear more trustable and those at the head position may seem like a trustable leader. The ones in the middle, may be steering the conversation, but now you not only know these secrets of seating arrangements you can use them whether in a class or a lecture or any other important events and may the winds be in your favor!
