Please be upstanding

Many clients ask me if they can present sitting down.  It's a natural question -- it feels more collegial, and less exposed, to sit down around the table like everyone else.  And isn't it a good thing to be collegial?  Doesn't it send out a nice message about what kind of person you are?

The answer is, unfortunately, not always.  Standing up while others are sitting automatically bestows some authority on the standee.  And there are times when it's important to claim that authority, just as there are times when it's OK to be collegial.  Just be aware that when you sit down, you are first and foremost saying, 'I'm one of you.'  Don't 'say' it unless you mean it. 

Of course we don't like arrogant, pushy people who claim authority that's not their own.  But we also don't like people who pretend to be humble foks when in fact they're running the show.  Both are annoying, and poor leadership.

Stand when you are leading a charge.  If you are addressing the troops in order to present a new plan or direction, the decision has already been made, and you want to bring the people along with you, then stand.  Sitting in that sort of situation is a form of non-verbal lying.  Sitting is for discussion. 

Stand when you are announcing a decision (after hearing a variety of opinions).  Let's say you've listened to your team discuss some options and you've arrived at a decision.  That's a good time to stand, to show that discussion is over and action is at hand. 

Stand when your expertise is called upon.  If you're the expert in the room, then you should stand to deliver your expertise.  Sit down when you're done, and the others can have their day too. 

Know when to sit, and when to stand.  It does make a difference.  We all give provisional respect to those stand up to make their points; after that it's up to you to earn continuing respect with the quality of the decision, the announcement, or the expertise.