... From Biz2Biz NWA March 2009
By Marty Pierson
He just couldn’t understand it. Why did everyone constantly question his progress on their projects? Of course, he was working on them – of course, they would be completed on time. He found the entire situation very frustrating.
Take one step into this employee’s office and the answer becomes clear. There are stacks of paper everywhere! The desk is not visible; only the keyboard and monitor peek out. The floor is covered. The piles aren’t even neat. When asked a question, he searches frantically for your information. What would you expect from this person?
Although the individual in this example is an extremely competent employee and does get work completed in a timely manner, the condition of his office space conveys a different message. Even if clients never enter your space, coworkers do. Their perception of your work habits will be influenced by what they see.
Does this mean your work area must be pristine? No. A space with everything carefully out of sight also leads to a perception that may vary greatly from reality. Is a person working in totally clear surroundings actually accomplishing anything? Perhaps, he/she doesn’t have much to do. Certainly, there seems to be time to organize and put everything away.
As with most things, there is a balance. Take a look around your immediate work space. Whether you are by nature a “neatness freak” or a “messy casual,” remember that you are sending a message and the recipient may end up with a perception that you did not wish to convey.
Author/ expert Marty Pierson has extensive experience in most facets of marketing.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
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