Recently, while leading a series of early morning sessions with our employees known as “Compass” meetings (the term “compass” reflects our aim of aligning our company culture towards “True North”), I noticed that during every session, as people entered the room, the vast majority went straight to the back seats. This is certainly not unique to these meetings — I notice this happens at nearly every engagement or conference I attend.
It reminded me of one of the best self-development books I’ve ever read, The Magic of Thinking Big by David Schwartz, first published in 1959. Among the dozens of practical insights in this classic field manual on how to present the best version of yourself, one of my favorites is what Dr. Schwartz calls “Be a Front Seater.” He writes:
“Ever notice in meetings–in church, classrooms, and other kinds of assemblies–how the back seats fill up first? Most folks scramble to sit in the back rows so they won’t be ‘too conspicuous.’ And the reason they are afraid to be conspicuous is they lack confidence. (But) sitting up front builds confidence. Practice it. From now on make it a rule to sit as close to the front as you can. Sure you may be a little more conspicuous in the front but remember there is nothing inconspicuous about success.”
Ever since I first read The Magic of Thinking Big two decades ago, I have tried to follow his advice, especially at conferences and in other learning environments. He’s 100% right. Not only do I feel more confident when I purposefully pass the back seats and take my place up front, but I find that I pay closer attention and thus glean more from the experience than sitting in the back.
How about you? Do you think a small habit change like this– sitting in front–can make a difference in your confidence? Do you tend to be a back seater, front seater, or somewhere in between? Let me know your thoughts by leaving a comment here.
Bill, I once worked for a guy that was aware of this common trait to come in to the room and sit in the back. The door to the room was up front and there would be distractions as those late entered the room.
So just before the meeting started he had everyone turn their chairs around and wala, they were up front to start the meeting. This was very effective. He also had the tables and chairs arranged in a ‘V’ so that he had good eye contact with everyone.
Fred,
What a great idea! I bet he was a good leader as well–thanks for sharing. Now you’ve got me wondering how I could pull that off in our meeting room….
Bill
I’m just curious, where does Eric Cram sit? Do I need to have a talk with him?!
Ha! You know what? As I think about it, Eric is a pretty consistent front seater! (Although, to be honest, some of the questions he asks make me wish he would sit in the back!) (LOL)
Thanks for the feedback, Rhonda. In all seriousness, for nearly 2 decades, Eric has represented our company with such class and professionalism. We are a better company because of him!
Bill
It’s an ‘I have to’ or an ‘I do not think I really want to be here’ coping mechanism. An unconscious competent bad habit from years gone by. I realized in college where I sat up front simply because I couldn’t see and resisted getting glasses. Found the interaction with the instructor and the attention I have appealed to me and resulted in better grades! I wonder if there is a structural way to arrange big group gatherings to address some of this issue. Some speakers spot small prizes for answering questions. Maybe that’s a band aid. Is there something better?
Good question, Dana. Maybe it’s a matter of the meeting leader requesting (nicely) that the back seaters move to the front. If it’s done right—in a playful and light-hearted way, like you, people may discovered what they’ve been missing.
Bill
So true about front/back sitters. I hate sitting in back. It’s distracting and impersonal. When in church you can hear everyone sing behind you and don’t see all the fighters in front of you when sitting in back.
So true, Doug. There are a lot less distractions when you sit up front
Thanks for commenting.
Bill