If you’ve read Monday Motivators for any length of time, you know I often encourage professionals to remember that their workspace is a reflection of their desire to succeed. Others in the office do take notice, and they judge your effectiveness and advancement potential upon what they see.
Today I'll be talking about:
Adding a 'Touch of the Personal' in Your Workplace
For example, if you’ve decorated your cubicle with a collection of Beanie Babies, or if you’ve hung amusing posters like those found in college dorms, changes are higher-ups will not take you seriously as a person whose workspace is more business and less casual.
That said, a “touch of the personal,” as I like to call it, is still an important part of a success-focused workspace. Let me explain.
My workspace is very professional, as you might imagine. A place for everything, and everything in its place! Whatever items I use most often are located within easy reach to improve efficiency. It’s clear to anyone who walks into my office that I mean business- and that’s exactly the professional image I wish to portray.
And yet, it’s not a sterile environment, devoid of any personal meaning to me. Far from it! A large photo of my children, when there were quite young, hangs where I can see it. I have a few tastefully framed photos of family members to remind me each day what matters most- and why I’m pleased to work so hard.
I even have on my desk an item made by one of my grandsons. It’s a small red box in the shape of a heart, and on the top is written the word “Nana.” I love to see it every day! It makes me smile- and does me good.
These few items are always enough to catch clients’ eyes; they often ask me about them, and in that way, we develop a rapport beyond the workplace- one that transcends the professional to personal.This is networking at its best.
So today, assess your workspace. What does it say about you- as a professional and as a person? Does it help or potentially hinder your career goals? Make an effort to start organizing and decorating your work area so it portrays you as you want to be seen- and as the star you truly are!
Joan