What People Think About You And Your Workspace
You spend most of your office hours at your desk, so you have a tendency to make it a bit more personal in its appearance. That makes sense. But you have to realize what you put on your desk gives other people clues about your efficiency, sociability and your competence. So pay attention to those small details lest, you give your supervisor and colleagues the wrong signals about your work ethics.
You'd rather be doing something else. This is usually seen from pictures of your favorite hobbies. You have too many pictures of fishing, skydiving or skiing. They are generally good conversation starters but you might want to strike a balance between sharing your interests and being thought about as daydreaming about jumping out of planes or skiing.
They are welcome to hang around your space. That's what your desk says when it has a full candy dish, plants you take good care of or pictures of your children. These things work like open doors and signal a welcoming attitude that makes people think it's okay for them to linger in.
You don't want them around you. This sis indicated by a flimsy guest chair, guest chair covered in files or the absence of a guest chair. Your desk faces away from guests. There is little or no decoration. Even if you have pictures or artwork on your space, they are usually images of objects, not of people.
People should respect you. You have several degrees on the wall, awards on the shelf, pictures of you with important people, and magazines featuring articles about you. Your full name and title, and lists your advanced degrees are on your desk for everyone to see. If you have a name plaque on your desk, it generally sends a signal that you are friendly and approachable. If it comes with a formal title, they will think you want to be respected for your rank.
You're new, or you're about to go, or you'd like to go soon. Nothing is on your desk. No books, no decorations, no books, no plants, no pictures and no name plaque.
People should avoid you. There are piles of papers on every surface. Half-eaten donuts atop teetering stacks of binders. This can seriously damage your reputation as a conscientious person. It is generally difficult to work well in a disorganized office. People will think your lack of organization will spill over to their projects if they work with you.
Attitude, Employees | Gloria Gamat | 18 July 2010 |
