March 13, 2009, Newsletter Issue #23: Why Some Business Experts Prefer a Round Conference Table to a Rectangular One

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Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} There are four primary styles of conference tables. At times, you might see some more “exotic” designs, like U-shaped, V-shaped, or horseshoe-shaped tables, but these are rare. The prevalent types of conference room furniture are round, oval, rectangular, and boat-shaped.

Many business change experts, management theorists, operations consultants, and executive psychologists recommend using a round conference table when possible. It is sometimes inconvenient, if not impossible to use this style of meeting room furniture because of room dimensions and architecture. A longer, narrow conference room may prohibit the effective use of a round conference table.

The reason so many knowledgeable people recommend – whether discussing a small or large conference table – the round style: Because there is no “head” or “foot”. This can be important psychologically. Rectangular tables, by definition, have smaller ends than their sides. These naturally form a “head of the table” position, implying superiority in one form or another. Those that want to create this environment should use rectangular or boat-shaped conference tables.

Those wanting to create a more team-oriented atmosphere, allowing equals to work together to achieve goals and objectives should strongly consider using a round conference table. The shape forms a unified “circle” of peers, subconsciously creating a stronger feeling of working together to reach success.

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