How would you handle the situation outlined at the beginning of the chapter? You could be directive, of course, and pull rank on them to ensure that your own convenience was met; but this would send a very bad message. It would tell the others that they don't matter and are not valued, and it would build a wall between them and you, and between them and the organization. It is quite likely to make them feel downright hostile toward you and the company.

The best solution would be to sit down with them, consider the options, and try to find a solution that's fair to everyone. You don't have to sacrifice your own convenience to maximize theirs; an effort to find a fair compromise that takes everyone's point of view into account sends the message that you're all colleagues, that everyone's concerns and interests deserve to be treated with respect, and that your office doesn't enforce hierarchy pointlessly. It will greatly increase the respect with which your employees...