Previous to the round table, a medieval king usually sat at one end of the table, with the court jester facing him at the other end. King Arthur attempted to equalize authority and status amongst his knights with the “round table.” He felt that without creating a head of table, his peers would see themselves as more equal preventing quarrels. Square tables on the other hand, have territories that lack clear boundaries which can present their own power struggle. Round tables also offers neat divisions or ‘pie shapes’ where each person receives the same amount of space or “territory” that collect into a common center. Round tables can reduce pressure and build trust. Smart offices will use these areas to build alliances with potential clients, especially timid ones, break down barriers, and create rapport. In offices, round tables are usually a place to relax and converse or to drink coffee. Present, round tables can be used to create informal settings unlike rectangular tables that are used to conduct work or to reprimand employees. The person opposite finds himself in a unique situation of having to face the leader head-on! In this case #1 has the most power followed by #2, #3, #4 and finally the person who sits opposite. When a known leader is seated at a circular table, power trickles down as the relative distance increases.
0 kommentar(er)
