There are various forms of communication. Of course, verbal communication is used without hesitation, but not often do people think of the various forms of non-verbal communication that is portrayed. Non-verbal communication is just as important as the verbal communication in any setting. In the reading “A Management Style that Made an Impression” (Hirsch, 2011, p. 71), the CEO, has the visitors’ chair bolted down. It has the writer puzzled, because he could not believe that the chair was bolted down. The chair being bolted down shows a level of control. The CEO had the chair bolted down, because it shows where his comfort level is with visitors. The visitor would not be able to enter his personal comfort zone. An interviewee can perceive this non-verbal gesture as intimidation. The individual would know there is control within the organization, and that the CEO values his personal zone. It also provides a safe distance to handle business within the office. The reason is cited within the text, “The man wanted nobody invading his space. He sat protected, barricaded behind his oversized desk” (Hirsch, 2011, p. 71). The desk is a barrier between the manager and the visitor. Communication alone is difficult, but when speaking with a manager that stays behind the desk, and creates another barrier, such as bolting down a chair, could easily make one uncomfortable. Also, managers who stay behind their desk indicate a symbol of power and exert the role of the individual. Desks can be viewed as a barrier to effective leadership, if the leader does not leave from behind the desk.
The setup of an office is a reflection of the manager and their style of management. A small change, such as office layout and furniture placement provides enough for an individual to have a sense of commonality with the manager. Individuals that provide an open layout can create a sense of