5 Ways Custom Conference Tables Can Help You Make Better Decisions

We take a look at how business leaders can use custom conference tables to influence the decision-making process during face-to-face meetings with employees and clients.

In a world where opinions and (mis)information can spin out of control, what can be done to regain trust and take back control of the decision-making process? The answer is to get people together IRL (in real life). It's time to set aside the instant messaging chat software for a moment and get back into the habit of meeting face-to-face with your employees and customers across an old school solid wood conference table.

Getting to Yes: Custom Conference Tables Give You a Psychological Advantage

When you need to get to "yes" in a meeting, there is nothing like meeting face-to-face (https://www.forbes.com/sites/carolkinseygoman/2016/03/11/the-immeasurable-importance-of-face-to-face-meetings/). But there is more to the story. As you may have heard, there's also quite a bit of theory about the psychological aspects of conference table layouts and seating arrangements, and the effect they can have on influencing meetings.

For example, installing one or more impressive custom conference tables can make a lasting, positive impression on your colleagues and visitors (even an intimidating one — if that's your thing) as part of your overall branding program (https://formaspace.com/articles/office-furniture/industri...).

Different office conference table shapes can affect the unspoken power dynamic around the conference table (https://www.inc.com/geoffrey-james/where-to-sit-at-a-conf...). Awareness of this insight can help you influence meeting outcomes.

Let's use our new collection of five different Weldmarx conference tables (https://formaspaceoffice.com/products/#conference-tables) to illustrate the point.

If Your Goal is to Make a Decision at a Pitch Presentation…

The new Weldmarx CIII (https://formaspaceoffice.com/products/conference-tables/weldmarx-ciii/) trapezoid-shaped conference table is ideal for making presentations to a group of key decision-makers. The unique trapezoidal design is wider at the far end; this allows participants to view a live presentation or video screen without having to lean forward to try to get a clear view. From a psychological perspective, the trapezoidal table format helps reinforce the power hierarchy: the senior manager will sit in the "power position" at the opposite end of the table from the presenter.

The New Weldmarx CIII trapezoidal conference table is ideal for making presentations to a group, thanks to its unique shape. Shown here is the custom version we built for display at the NeoCon 2017 contract furniture show.

Like all the office furniture in our Weldmarx collection, we can customize conference tables to fit your exact needs. For example, at the NeoCon 2017 contract furniture show, we'll be exhibiting a custom, height-adjustable trapezoidal solid wood conference table made of walnut, tricked out with a hidden console under the surface that rises to reveal an LED illuminated control panel with built-in Bluetooth controls, HDMI video connections, USB ports and power supply connections.

If You Need to Collaborate During Face-to-Face Meetings with Employees…

When you need to encourage participation, round and elliptical tables are an excellent choice because they put participants at ease by giving each person an equal place at the table.

To maintain a collaborative atmosphere, avoid taking a leadership 'command and control' stance by moving your chair back or removing chairs to your right or left. This will send an intimidation signal that can undermine the goal of your meeting.

If you want to get honest, collaborative input, round tables like our new Weldmarx CI (shown above) are perfect for 4 – 5 participants. These tables have a central cone-shaped support column which provides a stylish touch and offers more legroom.

When it's Time to Make Some Important Decisions…

If round and elliptical tables are designed for collaboration and collecting input, then long rectangular tables (and the rounded corner variant known as 'racetrack' conference tables) are the best choices when it's crunch time, and you need to come to a decision.

Why is this?

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Formaspace advances the spirit of discovery and creation through the design and manufacture of custom business furniture. Our furniture marries form to function with flexible solutions for clients in the laboratory, industrial, and office environments.

Formaspace serves over 80% of the Fortune 500, as well as universities, governments, small businesses, and individuals.

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This release was published on openPR.