Since the very beginning, seating arrangments were crucial. In fact, in medieval times, where you sat at the table defined your relative importance and nobility. Arguments over who belonged where often erupted into swordfights, which is why formal dinners even today use place tags.
Ironically, business meetings follow a similar trend. Where you sit at a conference table usually depends on your body language. Your physical position influences how you’re perceived by everyone else and to a certain extent predetermines the role you’ll play in the meeting. If you are wondering where to sit at in your next meeting, then this seating arrangement could just be your lucky ticket!
1. The boss takes the number 1 seat
Your boss usually takes the seat at the head of the table. If you don’t know what the seat looks like, then its the one with the backed chair. On a side note, if you’re boss arrives a little late for the meeting and you bag the chair unchallenged, then you are officially declaring yourself as the boss!
2. The “opposition” takes the number 2 seat
If you are in this seat, then everyone around you knows how high up you are on the ladder. This seat usually means you do not agree with what your boss has to say and you are ready to go in guns blazing! P.S., if you have a really strong point you just have to make, then grab that chair as soon as possible!
3. The allies take the number 3 and 4 seat
Every boss needs his allies, right? So where do the allies sit? On the third and fourth seats, of course! Taking either one of this seats indicates your closeness to the boss and once you sit on these spots, everybody knows your authority cannot be challenged! In my humble opinion, these spots are my favourite!
4. The “opposition” allies take number 5 and 6 seat
If you work for the boss, taking either of those seats is putting yourself in opposition to your boss by implicitly supporting the visitor. Also, if you get fired after this meeting, you know what you did wrong. Just kidding.
5. The minutes of the meeting taker takes number 7 seat
The secretary or the person assigned the task of taking the minutes of the meeting sits here! On number 8, the visitor’s admin is seated.
6. The door near the exit
If you sit here, then you know for a fact that you don’t particularly belong in the meeting. So if you catch yourself dozing off, then the exit is very close to you! Run before you get caught. Better yet, just don’t sit there!
7. The wall benchers
Sit along this wall if you know you’re not going to be contributing to the meeting but will be present throughout. Sitting here doesn’t make any particular statement, unless the meeting is for working on departmental issues.
Where you sit in a meeting decides the course of your career and more often than not, your position on the big table is directly proportional to the work you do. So pick the spot with care and caution and always, ALWAYS, be early so you get the best place!
