Seating Arrangements During Negotiations

Seating arrangements are a very important aspect of any negotiation process, and one that should definitely not be left to chance.

Where you sit can not only affect how well you negotiate, but also how well you communicate and how much of an impact you will have.

So let’s now have a look at some quick tips on getting seating arrangements right for negotiations.

Be Close To Key People When You Negotiate

During a negotiation there will be certain key people who you will need to consult with quickly and in private.

You should therefore make sure that you are seated next to these people during the negotiation process, so that you do not disturb the meeting.

Distance Yourself From People You May Conflict With

During a negotiation the person you will be conflicting with is usually your opposite on the other negotiating team. For example, if you are the team leader you are likely to have the most conflict with the other team leader.

Try to sit opposite the person from the other negotiating team, and if possible, sit off centre by a chair or two to lessen the confrontational effect.

Stay Close To Key Areas When You Negotiate

Sometimes when you are negotiating you need to use the speaker phone, or consult with people who are outside the room.

In this case, being seated near the phone or a door is an extremely advantageous position to be in.

During a negotiation the person nearest the phone will control its use, and the person nearest the door will control who enters or leaves the room.

Avoid Glare From Windows During Negotiations

If you are in an office that has a lot of windows, you may be exposed to heat or glare during the negotiation process. Both of these can make negotiating uncomfortable, which can adversely affect your overall performance.

If you feel uncomfortable negotiating in the environment you are in, politely request to continue your negotiation in another room.

However be aware that in some instances, this may be a tactic the other negotiating team is using against you and so they may not always be willing to change locations.

Salary Negotiation Seating Tips

Salary negotiations usually occur in your boss’s office, which means you probably don’t have much choice where you sit.

However if it is possible for you to do so, try to begin your salary negotiation in an area where you do not normally sit to receive assignments.

For example, if your boss has a conversation area, or another seat such as a sofa, try to move your salary negotiation to those areas.

This will help to relax your boss by communicating with them on a more personal level, and not having a large object such as a desk separate you.

If your boss is firmly seated behind the desk, begin your salary negotiation standing up and only sit down when you are asked to. This will show great self confidence on your behalf.

When you finally do sit down continue the negotiation of your salary, but pull the chair slightly out of its regular position. Such as to the left or to the right of where it normally is.

This will make a statement that the conversation you are now having is a negotiation, and is different from the normal routine of your boss assigning you a task to do.

Whatever you do when negotiating for your salary, always make sure that you are at the same height as your boss or higher, and never be lower than they are.

If you have to look up to your boss when speaking to them, you shift the balance of power to them and away from you.