Interviews, Power Plays and Office PoliticsWhen a woman decides to leave she will point her foot towards
the door and begin to adjust the back of her clothing and hair
so that she makes a good rear-view impression as she departs.
As mentioned earlier, hidden cameras show that, if you're a
woman, others study your rear as you depart — whether you
like it or not. When you get to the door turn around slowly
and smile. It's far better that they recall your smiling face than
your rear end.
When Someone Keeps You Waiting
If someone keeps you waiting for more than 20 minutes it
shows either they're disorganised or it could be a form of
power play. Keeping someone waiting is an effective way of
reducing their status and enhancing the status of the person
who is making them wait. This same effect can be seen when
people are waiting in line at a restaurant or cinema - everyone
assumes that the wait is going to be worthwhile, otherwise
why would we all be waiting?
Always take a book, PDA, laptop or office work, which
shows that you too are busy and are not prepared to be incon-
venienced. When the person who has kept you waiting comes
out to meet you let them speak first, lift your head slowly from
your work and greet them, then pack up smoothly and confi-
dently. Another good strategy when made to wait is to take out
some financial papers and a calculator and do calculations.
When they call for you say, 'I'll be ready in a moment - I'll just
finish these calculations.' Or you could make all your mobile
phone calls. The clear message you are sending is that you're a
very busy person and are not being inconvenienced by their
disorganisation. And if you suspect the other person is playing
a power game, arrange for an urgent call to be put through to
you during your meeting. Take the call, loudly mention large
amounts of money, drop in a well-known name or two, tell the
caller you never settle for second best and that they are to
report back to you as soon as possible. Hang up the phone,