The idea that having a direct report sit to the manager's right during a one-on-one meeting improves communication is rooted in certain psychological principles in nonverbal communication. Here are some key points related to this practice:
Sitting next to each other, rather than across a desk, can reduce perceived barriers and create a more collaborative environment.
When people sit side-by-side, it can foster a sense of partnership and equality, reducing the hierarchical tension that might exist when one person sits directly opposite another. This positioning can make the conversation feel less confrontational and more collegial.
Sitting to the right, rather than directly in front, might allow for more comfortable eye contact. Direct face-to-face positioning can sometimes feel too intense or confrontational, while side-by-side positioning allows for natural eye contact without the pressure.
For right-handed individuals (the majority of people), having someone to their right can make it easier to take notes or gesture comfortably without obstructing the view. This can facilitate smoother interactions and less physical awkwardness.
In some cultures, side-by-side seating is more common and comfortable for discussions, whereas direct face-to-face seating is reserved for more formal or adversarial interactions.
Side-by-side seating (such as sitting to the right) can promote a sense of working together on the same problem or issue, rather than having a "you versus me" dynamic allowing for collaboration.
This seating arrangement can be less intimidating for the direct report, potentially leading to more open and honest communication because everyone is more comfortable
It allows for a more natural interaction, as people often feel more at ease and less scrutinized when they are not directly facing someone.
Furthermore, there is another reason related to the brain's hemispheric functions that might explain why a person sitting to the right could be more open to communication. This reason involves how the brain processes emotions and facial cues, which are crucial for effective communication.
The right hemisphere of the brain is more involved in processing emotional and social information. It plays a crucial role in recognizing facial expressions, intonation, and other non-verbal cues that are essential for empathetic and effective communication.
Information from the left visual field is processed by the right hemisphere, and vice versa. When a person sits to your right, their face primarily falls into your left visual field. This means that the emotional and social cues from their face are processed by your right hemisphere, which is better equipped for this task.
Finally, as a leader when your direct report sits to your right, their facial expressions and other non-verbal cues are more likely to be processed by your right hemisphere, enhancing your ability to understand and respond to their emotions effectively. This arrangement might help in creating a more empathetic and emotionally connected interaction, as a leader you may pick up on subtle emotional signals more accurately.
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