Hey! That's my chair ...

Source: icanhascheezburger.com

Ever walked into the restaurant or cafe you regularly visit and find someone sitting in the place you usually sit in? ... and then that irksome feeling sets it
... "someone's sitting in my chair"

Ever notice how a group of people walk into a cafe or restaurant when you're just about to finish your meal or coffee, they have a seat at a table near by and send devious looks your way ... you begin to feel irritated, ask for the bill, pay.
As soon as your bum leaves the chair the vultures rush the table you left.
You were sitting at their table.

HBR's Daily Stat gives some insight on this feeling of entitlement in public places:

In a study by Marco Costa, of the University of Bologna, 66% of students observed in lecture halls over a six-week period chose the same seat, or an adjacent one, every time.

Costa says the study, titled “Territorial Behavior in Public Settings,” suggests that restaurants and hotels could boost satisfaction by giving repeat customers the same table or room on each visit and that companies could reduce worker anxiety by holding recurring meetings in the same conference room.

If you've even been to The Baking Tray cafe you'll see this phenomenon in action ... there is only one table with cushions - fluffy seats make happy customer bums - and everyone wants to sit on it. Others will want to sit in the only corner that has a degree of privacy provided by the building's support pillar.

This isn't limited to the food industry. An example from a local gym experience: In 2010 I purchased a 1 year subscription with a locker - number 10. I renewed my subscription in 2011 and did not buy a locker key - instead I used whatever locker was available. The receptionist, however, made sure I got locker number 10 every day ... Guess what? Locker number 10 feels special - epic customer service win.

So for your next visit to your favourite hangout, watch yourself. Are you sitting in your usual seat? ... does the food taste better? You're exhibiting Territorial Behavior in Public Settings.


#sarcasm of the day:
"As I said before, I never repeat myself ... " by Spugu.com