We have all heard the old saying, "Messy Office = messy mind" or, "Cluttered Desk = cluttered mind" - - or something to that affect.
But is that really so?
Does it really matter whether your office is messy or neat, or your desk is cluttered or organized?
The answer: It depends. Some people claim that having a messy office, or a cluttered desk, is an esoteric connection to their creativity. Others claim that mess and disorganization has caused them to stop progressing in their careers because it gave the impression that they were not handling their work-lives well.
The truth is there are people who have almost unbelievable messy offices and/or cluttered desks who are wonderful at their jobs. And, there are people who have offices and desks that could pass the white glove test that do their job poorly.
Some people are able to do a great job because they are orderly and follow routines. On the other hand, there are some people who are also able to do great jobs for just the opposite reasons - - they do not subscribe to conventional norms and refuse to follow anyone else's lead.
So the best advice on your office and desk - - and your career, is this: Figure out what kind of thinker and worker you are and proceed. If you need to have a messy office and/or cluttered desk in order to do a great job - - it's likely your superior(s) and co-workers won't mind.
But, if you are the type of person that needs a clean office and/or orderly desk to do a great job - - then you had better clean and straighten for all your worth.
The truth is that intelligent superiors know that every person has his or her unique approach to work, and they will create an atmosphere of acceptance and tolerance so that every person can tap his or her greatest potential.
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