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What is the protocol for proper seating in a business setting? Most of us who have ever given this any consideration usually think about the boardroom or a formal event. But what about joining colleagues or clients for lunch or sharing a ride to a meeting or attending a social event?
Signifying a position of power or that of equality (when negotiating, for instance) is silently communicated through seating arrangements. The best way to build solid business relationships is to understand proper etiquette and protocol in every situation. None speaks louder than showing respect for position and rank, especially when it comes to seating arrangements.
Most people are on their "P's and Q's" in the boardroom but not so much in other places. The probability of committing a faux pas is greater in less formal settings; nevertheless, all business encounters require the execution of proper protocol. Not doing so can communicate a negative message that implies a slight to someone or just plain ignorance. Stay sharp and polish your business etiquette by adding these seating etiquette tips to your business toolbox:
Rule Number 1. As in all business etiquette, proper seating is executed according to hierarchal rank rather than gender. That means seating around a table, for example, is not arranged by alternating women and men (as with a social dinner party); and everyone seats themselves.
Business dining. Although seating in this scenario can be quite complicated at times (particularly where heads of state, military or foreign guests are involved), it is best to use basic seating protocol. The host sits at the head of the table with the guest of honor (or most important guest) to his or her right. The second most important guest sits to the left of the host. In a formal lunch or dinner setting, name cards are provided for all guests and it is never appropriate to switch assigned seats.
Taking a ride. A shared ride, whether a hired car or personal vehicle, still has a seating protocol. In a civilian (personal) car, the place of honor is directly to the right of the driver (host). This seat is given to the client or highest-ranking person of the company. The place of honor in a taxi or chauffeured vehicle is the rear passenger seat – the seat closest to the curb when getting out of the car. Of course, in all instances, consideration should be given to an altered seating arrangement for any honored guest who may have difficulty sitting or getting up from their seat.
Boardroom polish. As discussed in a previous article on meeting manners, it is important to know your place at the table. There are many applications of protocol for meetings depending on the level of formality, number of guests, type of guests and other considerations. The seat of power is at the head of a (rectangular) table. Typically, the person conducting the meeting sits in that seat with the honored guest to his or her right. However, the host/leader may elect to take a center chair, with the guest seated to the right, to communicate a more equal and open setting. A round table can also be used for this purpose.
Traveling abroad. Please note that American etiquette does not apply abroad. For example, in Japan, the place of honor in a car is behind the driver. In China, the seat of honor in the boardroom is not at the head but the center of the table with the special guest to the immediate right. In England, the person with the highest honor sits at the head of the table while dining, however, the guest of honor sits to the left (rather than the right). Don't make assumptions or leave things to chance concerning these protocols. A misstep can sour the attitudes of others. Proper business and social etiquette varies by country and region. Take the time to learn a few rules of etiquette before traveling or entertaining foreign guests.
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