The image of your workspace

‘ The work space is considered deeply because it is presumed that most of one’s time is spent around the workplace daily, weekly and monthly all year round

Have you taken a look at your work space recently? Why not take a picture let’s access the image it portrays. Maybe you are a clean freak as they say and your space is spotless and immaculate, it means you are meticulous about many things especially your environs.

Do you thrive under pressure? Chances are your workspace may be a little clustered or very untidy. Only you can understand what is going on and where everything is in the midst of the chaos.

Are you so busy that the tendency is for you to pile up files upon files, books upon books and paper upon papers? Are you so busy that your coffee cup, water glass and even numerous sweet wrappers have littered your work space? How many pens do you own, do you need? Plus the ones that are working well and those that have inked out; you see them all over your work space. Have you ever taken the time to stop audit and clear out your desk drawers in recent times?

The image of your work space can say so much about you, or the owner of that space. Personality, character, class, status, professionalism, educational level and much more are depicted in the image of you and your environment too. The work space is considered deeply because it is presumed that most of one’s time is spent around the workplace daily, weekly and monthly all year round.

Personally in spite of the pressure I may be facing I tend not to like an overcrowded desk, it only adds to the confusion that pressure when faces creates. I try as much as possible to reduce the work load gradually but eventually. At times it takes true dedication and adequate time allocation to achieve this. I have seen many people’s desks when I walk in and around offices where it appears like World War IV has just taken place. Does your work space look inviting to sit in for a few minutes for decent discussion or does it say keep far away.

What does your workspace say about you? Executive presence

This is the highest state your workspace can look like. It says you are a senior executive or act like a c-suite executive. You are orderly and calculated, you appropriate structure around your work; and in making decisions. Appearance, behavior and conduct mean a lot to you to function well. Your environment will immediately command respect along with a good first impression. This will set the tone for good business conversations. If your work space indicates executive presence this is seen all over you. Not all executives practice executive presence, unfortunately their work space indicates far from it. The impression they have communicates a wrong message of who they truly are.

Professionalism

Your workspace speaks professionalism around you only if is seen to be orderly; and clearly structured. This is inviting to others who will be impressed at your sense of hygiene and cleanliness. Your workspace can easily drive others away if it falls below expectation of your status and position in some instances. Professionalism in your workspace is the making of a leader who should frown at the workspace of others that fail to meet high standards. For your workspace to look professional is a choice that can be achieved by anyone regardless of position or rank.

Millennial

Our millennial today as we have seen have become totally paperless, It is all about the gadgets, the computer and high tech working conditions. You will expect to see very little in the workspace of a millennial. At times you may wonder if these millennial are working in their individual work spaces, as signs of normal working are almost non- existent. As a millennial with no work experience you will need to understand the exiting work ethics of the organization and go with the work flow. Generally productivity is not based on how much work you see on the table, so long as the millennial is preoccupied you will experience good results, provided they are not distracted.

Fresh off the mill

Our fresh graduates who have no prior work experience are torn between following the culture of the older generation and alternatively that of the new generation. Most times a lot of inexperience is seen among these youths as they struggle to find their feet, adapt to the new environment and follow the rules of the company. The workspace might not be so arranged; it may also not be inviting or attract respect to its owners. Just like personal rooms at home you may find yourself repeatedly complaining about the discomfort that space. The space will look full depending on your career, nature of assignment and expected deliverables. You may just be drawing people away from you if your space appears confusing. It is surprising how a lot of experienced staff still operate with a work space that looks like it is fresh of a the mill ; a young graduate.

Image is everything; be conscious of the image you present to others so that you can be in full control of the perception you leave behind wherever you may go.

Items that will sabotage the image of your workplace.

Anything can disrupt the work place the look, feel and image of your workspace, you may be keeping things there that you do not want or need. What are you harboring that is sabotaging the image of your workspace. Look at this list carefully and consciously begin to look around. Your next action step is to remove all unwanted baggage around you. This is my non conclusive list enjoy!! i. Papers, papers and more papers. ii. Irrelevant magazines. iii. Excessive and outdated newspapers. iv. Stationary v. Over flowing documents hanging letter tray. vi. Phone wires and cables. vii. Desktop Dining Tools viii. Files in abundance ix. A cup too many x. Extra pictures on the desk ix. Over flowing books/ dairies iix. Litters/rubbish.

Polish your Workspace with

1. A plant

2. Sweet container

3. File tray.

4. Tissue box

5. Phone

6. Stationary tray

7. Diary

8. Box of Tissue

9. Laptop

10. Ipad

Please take a picture of your workplace let me tell you what your space says about you. I look forward to hearing from you. Kindly share your etiquette experience.

All the best!