Participants at meetings frequently stand. The reason for this is that people
think more quickly and come to decisions more expediently than they do
when given the chance to sit. This is the Let’s Go position.Kate attended a client meeting at an advertising agency in Denmark. When it
was time for her and her client to brainstorm some ideas they went to the
Stand Up Room, which was designed for quick thinking and decision making.
In the middle of the room was a tall stone table, provided for people to lean
on and take notes. The table was the only furniture in the room. What Kate
found was that, although it wasn’t her preferred environment, she was able to
make quick decisions and firm commitments.Sitting ...................................................................................................
The seated position can be a less energised position than standing. Because
your body is bent in the middle, it’s easy for you to collapse over your waist
or flop back into your chair like a wilted flower if you’re feeling a bit tired.
Sitting is a more relaxed position than standing. The pressure is taken off
your legs and feet and your buttocks take the weight.Sitting postures convey different states of being depending on how your
arms, legs, and head are positioned.If you’re tired you may unconsciously lean back into a chair, letting your legs
and arms hang loose with your head tilted backwards. This is a sure sign that
you’re feeling worn out. At other times you sit upright, ready for action. Your
back is straight, you’re leaning forward, and you look like you mean business.If you go into your boss’s office and you notice her body’s hunched over her
desk, wait to be invited before speaking. Her body language is telling you she
doesn’t want to be interrupted.Although a relaxed sitting position aids thinking and reflection be careful not
to hold the pose for too long. You end up feeling drained and dejected.Chapter 7: Take It From the Torso 115
Every body has a past
According to research by the American anthro-
pologist Ray Birdwhistell, a person’s posture
reflects her past. People who have experienced
prolonged depression may slouch and sag into
their bodies, whereas people who have a posi-
tive outlook tend to hold themselves upright.