What Your Work Space Says About You

As you walk through an office, everyone has their own work style and that can often show through in their work space.  So, what can your work space say about you?

An organized desk can say you are dependable and timely.

Organized people are usually task and deadline driven.  I know, I am one!  At work, I have one thing out at a time and work on it until it's completed, then it goes away.  When I leave at night, I do my best to clean everything up.  Almost like a start fresh for the morning.  Although, I would say this is not always the case and a messy desk does not always mean you are not dependable or timely.  One of the best sales people in my office has the craziest, messy desk.  But, she knows exactly where everything is and is probably one of the most detail oriented people I know.

Unique objects can tell people you are creative and enjoy trying new things.

I visited an office in San Diego that gave each employee $100 at Ikea to decorate their work space.  People got really creative with it.  As I toured the space and chatted with the sales people, their personality definitely showed through in the items they chose and how they were displayed.  Plus, it made them feel more comfortable and gave a sense of ownership over their work space.

Inspirational posters and quotes.....might say your a bit neurotic.

The classic Type A personality.  The quotes and silly posters with the cute little animals on them are usually enjoyed by people who need to calm anxiety.  But, this is not all bad.  Some think that neurotic people are incredibly successful in the work place and could just be using the posters to communicate their values to others.

I have to tell a funny story here, as it goes along with the inspirational poster line.  I was reading an article about motivating co-workers and they were talking about a car plant in which the employees became complacent.  They were doing their jobs, but just going through the motions, and their quality was slipping.  This can happen in a lot of companies.  I find even myself, every few months or so I need a reset to re-evaluate what I am doing and how I am doing it.  Back to the story, the plant manager had a HUGE banner made that he hung on the plant floor to get people's attention.  It just said, "GIVE A SHIT!" (excuse my language but it's a quote)  Best inspirational poster I have ever seen!

An inviting space says you are outgoing and social.

You have a super comfy chair where people can pop a squat a stay a bit.  You have a candy jar, that is always filled with candy.  You want people to stay, chat and be comfortable.  These traits can be great in fostering relationships at work that can lead to promotions and new opportunities.  On the flip side, I have found it can also lead to a some slacking and a wider waist line with the candy.

What does your space say?

Cheers!

Kristen

Setting Up Shop

We have spent the whole month talking about what to do with your great business idea.  We talked about doing market research and turning it into a business plan.  We talked about creating a brand and what a well thought out and executed brand can do for you.  And last week we talked about how to get the word out.  This week we are going to talk about setting up shop.

In my career, I have had the opportunity to work in all sorts of environments.  For myself from home, for an upstart in an executive suite to an established company in a larger office.  Each had their ups and downs and depending on what stage your company is in and obviously the type of business would help determine where to start.

Check out our Pinterest board here with all sorts of office styles!

1.  Home Office

Positive - A great way to get started. Commute is amazing.  No rent and you can write it off on your taxes.
Negative - it is hard to set "work time" apart from "home time".  As I sit at my home desk right now, if I were to turn around I would see about 20 things I needed to do.  It can be challenging to focus on being at work, while at home.  I have found that some head phones and a good play list on iTunes helps!  Plus, with a family of four, my work space is at times my husband's school space, my sons art space and so on.

2.  Executive Suite

Positive - can be a cost savings from having a full out office.  Great amenities!  Some have community lobbies with a receptionist, break rooms, meeting and conference rooms, mail rooms and cleaning services to name a few.
Negative - they are typically pretty small.  The upstart I worked with grew incredibly fast, which was great but at one time I was sharing about 100 square feet with 3 other people before we moved to a larger office.

3.  Your Own Space

Positive - it's yours and you can brand it accordingly.
Negative - Rent and other overhead expenses can be a big drain on the budget.

Cheers!

Kristen