Human dynamics

Additionally, it works in reverse. Trusted relationships have seen the decision-maker wanting to subconsciously sit that person on their right-hand side, which reinforces its authority.

The head of the table is also a power position. If it’s expected to be a confrontational session, it’s better to go for this seating. Besides, it’s a great position for seeing all the faces and ensuring eye contact. Try to never sit in the ‘bus queue’ along the side of a long table.

Keep everyone’s attention

It’s been proven that people are much better at making bold decisions in the morning, especially after eating. An example of this is eight Israeli parole judges whose cases over a 10 months revealed some shocking statistics.

The chances of being paroled just after breakfast were 65%, while the chances of parole just before lunch fell to 0%. It was apparent that the judges simply did not make the same types of decisions when they were hungry.

No-one had ever looked at these human tendencies before. While we may think that we are rational and professional, we are in fact not; we are predictably irrational. Time of day, drinks, snacks and breaks all gear the human interaction and attention. So make sure you always take this into consideration - a simple coffee and a snack, in the morning, may get you a much quicker solution!

Conversation killers come in all forms. From activity outside a window to allowing personal devices during meetings. This is why you need to allow breaks for devices and mindwandering to improve attention.

Is everyone engaged?

Ask questions, don’t just present and test the understanding in the room. Attempt to cocreate outcomes leaving all involved feeling they have been used as counsel, contributed and recognised. Ensure you have the all members, their roles and angles covered. Even go as far as to make sure everyone will actually be present for that day.

Non-verbal cues

Finally, learn to read and respond to body language. It can be useful for understanding what people are really thinking or for gaining rapport.

There is a wealth of information on typical interactions - whether that’s a happy facial expression, rapid blinking due to distress, a clenched fist to show anger or simply hands on hips to show control.

Many body language experts and sources seem to agree that between 50-80% of all human communications are non-verbal. Are you tapped into this secret language of the Boardroom, (yes we said Boardroom) ?