What Does Your Office Say About You?

Most of us think about the image we want to put forth, especially in the workplace. We dress for success, create logos to send a specific message, create cards and ads that brand us, but we often forget that our work space also sends a message about who we are and our success.

What do you want your office to say about you -- you're stressed, on top of things, capable of handling a promotion, balanced, at peace, overwhelmed, or in chaos?

You want a space that energizes you, reflects confidence in your abilities, keeps you productive, focused and in the zone - right?  I call this a Peak Performance Environment. A place where you want to go every day that supports you in being your best and reflects your goals and your successes.

How do you create a Peak Performance Environment? In my work with hundreds of executives and business owners we've aligned their office space to support them in achieving their goals. Managers have gained promotions, department chairs have raised more funds, HR managers have made their offices more comfortable, increased harmony and reduced conflicts and entrepreneurs have upped their income. They have learned tips and tricks to make their workspace more productive, balanced and harmonious and you can too!  Here are some things you can do right away to begin creating a work environment that sends a positive message to others and keeps you performing at your peak:

• Your desk IS your mission control. Keep it as neat as possible to reduce distractions and keep you productive. Have designated functional areas on your desktop for managing the flow of your work, for example, an in and out box for paper flow, a stand up rack for your action items and storage space for things that aren't a priority right now.
• What are your professional goals? Do you want a promotion? Does your office reflect what you're shooting for? For example, a high powered career woman wanted to be a VP. Her office was full of stuffed animals and dying plants. Stuffed animals are appropriate in some environments, for example if you're working with children, but if you're in a hard hitting corporate job your environmental message is incongruent -- the stuffed animals are out of alignment with what you're trying to achieve.    
• Clutter is a time waster. Its not uncommon for people in office settings to spend up to five hours a week looking for things. Can you imagine how much more you can accomplish with five more productive hours in your work week?  Clutter also causes stagnation in the flow of your energy and can contribute to feelings of stress, anxiety, overwhelm, loss of control, depression and even shame. If you're feeling overwhelmed at work, sometimes its worth it to take a time out and clear the clutter from your desk. Getting organized can make you feel less overwhelmed and more in control of your day.  
• Conduct your own office review. Stand at your office door. Close your eyes for a minute. Open them and take a look around your office with fresh eyes. If you didn't know the person who resides there, what would you deduce about them if you stopped by and looked in their office?  Does it reflect what you want, or are there things in there that are blocking you from achieving your goals (like the stuffed animals!)? This exercise works even if you're a solo entrepreneur and working alone. What is your office saying to you every day? Is it reflecting back to you the success you want in your life?

If you'd like to learn more about how an office makeover can help you achieve your professional goals or how to create your Peak Performance Environment, contact me. 

Do you work in an office you love? If so, what makes it such a great place to be every day?