Fifty Patterns for Making Sense

 

28.  Oblique position

 

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Arrange your space to make it natural to sit or stand obliquely when you talk to others.

 

 

 

   
 

So much of our organizational communication takes place across desks, face-to-face, that we forget how much better it feels to stand shoulder-to-shoulder at the water cooler or at a window looking away from each other while we talk.  The face-to-face posture is a posture of confrontation and should not be used unless confrontation is what you really intend.

There are many ways to reorganize your space for oblique communication.  Sit on the same side of the table while you examine plans or other documents.  That will give you an oblique position and also allow you both to see the relevant materials.  A sofa with a coffee table can have the same effect.  In fact, that may be one reason why bars are so successful in loosening up conversational inhibitions.  Talking while you walk is one of the best ways to put two people into a good position for talk because it combines oblique position with exercise.

 

   
   
 

Emphasize other's autonomy (24) and personal space (25).  But don't neglect to privatize (26) communications and to use equal height (29) to avoid unwarranted expressions of power.

 

   
 

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