The Definitive Book of Body Languagehot seatRevised office layout- A low round table with three identical swivel chairs were
placed at the other end of the office so informal meetings
could take place. - In the original layout, John's desk could give half the
desktop space to the visitor but the revised layout gave
John back the entire desktop. - John practised sitting in open positions, used subtle
Steeple gestures and consciously used his palms whenever
he spoke with others.
The results? Significantly improved manager/staff relation-
ships and some staff began describing John as 'easygoing' and
as a relaxed person to work with.
All that is needed to raise your status, and increase your
power and effectiveness with others, is a little thought given to
non-verbal gymnastics in your office or home. Unfortunately,
most executive offices are arranged as John's was initially set
out, because offices are designed by office designers, not by
those who understand interaction between people. Rarely is
consideration given to the negative non-verbal signals that can