When individuals sit down at a table for dinner or a meeting, the side of the table you are on can make a major difference on your perspective of the event.
If you are at a dinner meeting, the shape of the table could be a major factor in the dynamics. A round table lets everyone see everyone else and usually hear all the conversations. A square or rectangular table allows for some individuals to have side conversations by just turning to the person next to them and speaking softly.
It's always enjoyable to watch people jockeying for where they want to sit. Certainly not next to the boring guy who only talks about himself but maybe next to the lady who is not only smart but also a great conversationalist.
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If it's a business meeting you are attending seating is usually determined by what side of an issue you are on. You always want to face the person you are negotiating with as well as being able to keep an eye on the entire team they brought with to see who they look to for advice. Occasionally, someone from the other side winds up sitting on your side making things a little uncomfortable. It's almost like the enemy somehow got into your camp.
And then there is the NCUA board table. There's the table at which the presidential appointees sit and their policy advisers behind them in case they stumble. They do their best to look professional and businesslike as they wrestle with credit union issues at their monthly meeting.
It is a table I am very familiar with as I have been on both sides of it. It's a good table; very heavy, very sturdy, quality wood and plenty of room to spread out the documents you want everyone to believe are important and filled with confidential information.
Sitting on the board side gives you a sense of power and authority. You have a nice, big comfortable chair, your own microphone, a personal pitcher of water and an expensive name plate so everyone knows who you are, and you can be reminded should you forget.
You sit at the front of the room and look out at the audience. They have little chairs to sit on, nothing to drink, no place from which to offer a comment and name tags so small you would need binoculars to see who they are.
The news media representatives also sit out in the audience taking down any profound statements that may be made and snapping pictures of the board hoping to get one of someone nodding off or even a nose pick.
As you look at the audience you wonder about the thoughts going through their minds. Look at him sitting up there like a dictator ruling over an empire. Is that a spaghetti stain on his tie? He must have slept in that suit. Is she going to eat all those mints? Look at that, he knocked over his water. And those comments are probably the nice ones.
Who would think a table could change a person's perspective and thoughts?
Then again, like in life, it always comes down to the side you are on.
Michael E. Fryzel is a Chicago-based attorney. He can be reached at [email protected].
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