As seen in the Dayton Daily News on April 12, 2014.
There’s a saying in the business world, “Dress for the position you want, not the one you have.” Think about taking this same approach with your office. Your office should reflect the position you want, not the one you have.
The next time you head into work, stop at the doorway of your office and look at it as if your boss might be seeing it. In addition, what are your co-workers opinions as they view your office? Most importantly, what are customers thinking?
People form opinions based on the impression you give them when they step inside your office.
What does your office say about you?
Strive to have your office say, “The person who sits here is dependable, works efficiently, can take on additional responsibilities and is a competent leader.”
Being dependable and capable of taking on more responsibility makes you a valuable employee. In times when people are losing their jobs, it’s critical that your office reflects your readiness to tackle the next project with confidence.
Too many times, offices say something totally different. Often the message is, “The person who sits here would rather be at home with their kids, is more interested in managing the football pool than reaching company objectives or can’t wait to get out of here and go on vacation.” Even if these are true, don’t let your office say it.
You may be bringing items into your office that make it look like a family room or ‘man cave’ instead of an office that is representing the company.
Stuffed animals, plastic footballs, an abundance of family photos, party decorations and vacation souvenirs are items found in offices that sometimes send the wrong message.
Of course, it’s okay to bring in items that reflect your personality, but don’t go overboard. A family photo, a plant, and a framed picture of a hobby you enjoy may be all you need to show your individuality, while remaining professional.
You have been hired by your company to perform work duties critical to the growth of the company. Your office should contain those items that will help you reach this goal.
They have given you an office to represent the company. Too many times we forget this and we treat it like our personal property. We bring in collections from home and clutter up the space.
If customers see your office, you want them to feel confident they have hired the right person to help them reach their objectives.
When clients walk into my office, I want it to be about them not me. I keep personal items to a minimum so I can focus on their concerns. I want them to walk away knowing that I care about them.
If you work from a home office, you should respect this space just as you would a corporate office. Create a professional work environment and see what happens to your productivity.
No matter your position in the company, your office should reflect professionalism, a good work ethic and dependability. Having a professional setting when you walk into your office sets you in the right frame of mind for being productive and gives others confidence in your abilities.