What Does The Condition of Your Desk Say About You?

Joe Weinlick
Posted by in Career Advice


Desk organization says a lot about you as a person. In fact, your colleagues may be judging you simply because you have a messy desk. After conducting a survey related to desk organization and office clutter, software company Marketo published some interest results. Based on the survey, representatives from Marketo believe there are six types of desk users. Do any of these descriptions apply to you?

1. The Hoarder

If you are a desk hoarder, you probably have documents from 10 years ago cluttering up your drawers. Sure, you can find outdated information easily, but you probably have a hard time finding recent documents. Desk organization isn't easy for someone who insists on keeping meeting notes from a decade ago, and your desk may even turn into a fire hazard if you fill it with enough paper.

2. The Techie

Techies love to use dual monitors and mobile devices to stay productive. If you are a techie, you probably have two monitors, a mobile phone and at least one tablet sitting on your desk at all times. Desk organization is easier for techies, but this approach comes with its own set of problems. For example, your colleagues may not appreciate the fact that they have to ask you to unplug one of your devices every time they want to use an outlet.

3. The Minimalist

If you're a minimalist, you don't have to worry about office clutter. Whether you use tons of mobile devices or stick with low-tech solutions, you don't let things pile up on your desk or in your file drawers. If your desk is tidy enough, your colleagues may wonder if you ever spend time working.

4. The Documentarian

You love to document birthdays, holidays and special occasions with plenty of photos. Desk organization is difficult for you because you love to hang pictures, ticket stubs and other mementos of happy times. If you are a documentarian, your colleagues probably worry about getting on your bad side, as you tend to document everything that happens to you on the job.

5. The Zen Master

If your cubicle is covered with inspirational posters and your desk is home to a bamboo plant, you are probably a Zen master. Desk organization isn't a problem for you, but your laid-back approach might make your colleagues think you aren't all that serious about your job.

6. The Sickie

Cough syrup and tissues are the first things people see when they stop by your desk. Even though you use antibacterial gel 20 times per day, you're always taking sick time. Colleagues may not want to spend any time in your cubicle if they think you are the sickie of the office.

Desk organization affects the way people perceive you as a professional, so it's important to keep your desk tidy. If any of the above descriptions ring true, try to make adjustments based on your job duties and personal tastes.


Photo courtesy of imagerymajestic at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

 

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