A reader writes: “How important is one’s desk as part of one’s overall image?”
It’s a reflection of within: Consider your desk as a snapshot of your mind.
Some days would reflect a thoughtful, strategic, logical operator.
Other days it would reflect a true lateral thinker.
And, unfortunately, other times it would simply reflect an endless “to-do” list.
But regardless, it would reflect who you are, what you do, how you think and the tools you use to attend to your work.
When someone walks into your office, the details of your surroundings translate into the overall image you exude. Here are a few desk images to avoid:
The power desk: The power desk is spotless. There are never more than six pieces of paper neatly arranged on the right-hand corner of the desk in order of importance. All equipment is well placed on a side credenza. Only monogrammed pens are used. There are no drawers in this desk as someone else is responsible for the paper supplies. Beautifullyframed photos are everywhere and always facing the guest. Sometimes there is a bowl of rare mints that looks untouched. Leather abounds, black is everywhere, a clock ticks nearby. Downside: Hard to know what this person is actually paid to do.
Information central: This desk is usually oversized and absolutely overwhelmed by tiny bits of notes, stickies, tabs, paper turned over with scribbles on it. The amount of “stuff” verges on comical. However, this person can locate any given piece of information within four seconds flat. Try not to trip on the several bankers’ boxes on the way out. And ignore the highly confidential notes scribbled on the whiteboard leaning against the wall. They are six months old. Downside: Afraid to think what happens when this person is off sick for a day.
Gidget gadget: This office is really a storage room for the newest and most leading-edge gadget that comes on the market. Wires are everywhere, and instruction booklets are neatly cataloged on the shelves. There are no files, no paper, and no telephone or computer in sight. Everything is networked to everything, which is ultimately wired to a computerized remote control that is clipped to this person’s back pocket. Downside: If you were a digital, virtual version of yourself, you would be more welcome in this office. As a human, you are relatively unimportant.
Collector’s paradise: This desk is a shrine to house every award and gift that was ever given to this person–regardless of its importance and/or quality. Conversation usually revolves around one of the newer items on the desk, which can be a slippery slope because that usually leads to a chronological rundown of all trophies. Somehow you know this person gets their job done with relative ease, speed and expertise, and you fear it is because of the sense of accomplishment they feel in viewing their collection daily. Downside: You may not want to have dinner with this person outside of the office.
Do you know your inner desk? Of course, most of us have elements of organization, aesthetics, logic and, yes, quirkiness that reflect who we are.
You may want to take a moment and determine if your desk actually reflects a snapshot of your mind. At a minimum, it should be in line with your overall vocational image.
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Ellie Rubin is a syndicated business columnist, author and co-founder of The Bulldog Group Inc. E-mail your comments and questions for Rubin to tribjobs@tribune.com.
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