For example, when I am talking with prospective authors about my company, their books and, most importantly, their vision of the dream, we sit out at a small round conference table rather than in my office. We can each see the other's notes, are in a companionable distance and sharing a table. When the time comes to sign a contract, we move into my office. I am on one side of the desk, they are on the other. Why? Because a contract is a very serious happening. It requires a sense of accountability on both sides. It is official. It gives it the importance it deserves. Afterwards and the author is all excited about their leaf on the tree and they know the y are on their way, that final handshake is face to face. We are in this together.

For example, when I am teaching someone how to do something, whether it is how to fill out ISBN information, how to do a layout or how to use FaceBook, we sit side by side. If I am talking to an employee about an acceptable behavior, meeting with someone who wants something from me or is trying to sell me something, it is back to the desk. Perspective is a marvelous thing.

It was excellent advice. It is amazing what you can learn by sitting there with your mouth shut and listening: both to what folks are saying and what they are not. Often what isn't said is more important than what is. A cup of coffee (bottle of water, cup of tea) offered to anyone who is mid-frazz helps them to take a tiny step sideways, often diffusing a situation. Sometimes when someone is 'sounding' upset and saying/complaining/witching about one thing, they are often spouting off about something else entirely. ( A 'disagreement with a spouse, child, parent will often have a direct influence on the next person they see.) Some times, they are not. One needs to listen to find out which it is. A snowball rolling down hill gains momentum, but eventually, gravity takes over and it slowly rolls to a stop. Sometimes, you have to wait until the rolling stops else you get caught in an avalanche.

For example. Printers change their prices. They operate on a schedule all their own and it often makes no sense to those who need materials printed. In the overall scheme of the world, bigger wins. A bigger, more lucrative print job will push smaller jobs back in line. 'I was here first,' hasn't worked since the bully in the lunch line cut in ahead of you.

For example. An author says they will get their edited corrections back to you in a week. Then take three. (for perfectly valid reasons of course.) Which delays the book going to layout which delays when it will go to print, which may be further complicated by their print runs. (Calendars in July, Yearbooks in April-June, or what have you.) All of which serves to delay the date at which they have their book in their hands. Sometimes, I can pull that pretty pink bunny out of the hat. Sometimes that 'rascal wabbit' takes a hike!