What is your office saying about you? Your office style impacts customer relations, work style, time management and creativity. The trick is to create and maintain an office that helps you stay focused. Many of you are familiar with our Confident Consultation System, which includes the Power Words. Take a moment and use that approach in 3-5 words to describe your perfect office space. Let’s see how those words impact your overall business.
Let’s take a fun look at our Office Personalities. Scan your office, don’t focus on one item and be honest with what you see.
Diligent Donna: Orderly, Symmetrical, Perfect
Books neatly arranged, calendar backed up in the cloud, files in perfect order and you can lay your hands on whatever you need in an instant. Pro: Diligent Donnas have efficient offices. Con: The need for organization can overshadow marketing and client relations. It may even be a place for you to hide instead of finding what your business needs most…clients.
Photo: An Organized Company
Friendly Fran: Warm, Inviting, Conversation Friendly, Casual
Magazines face the guest, candy on the desk and a well-placed chair welcomes visitors. Chatting with clients, the UPS guy and dog often takes priority over filing or accomplishing anything measurable. Pro: Friendly Frans have fun at work and probably even know the names of the UPS man’s children. Con: Business may not be as profitable as they want because they need to find that middle ground.
Adventurist Ann: On Trend, Colorful, Interesting She loves this years’ trend, Global Chic, as it reflects the travels she has experienced or hopes to experience. The office showcases a variety of collections, such as books, maps, rocks, beach glass and more. These collections motivate Ann to work toward the next adventure. Pro: Adventurist Anns have an office filled with inspiration.
Con: Collections can quickly turn into clutter making it difficult for one to focus.
Photo: Glamour.com
Whatever Wanda: Warm, Inspiring, Casual, Comfortable
Wanda gets it…she doesn’t waste time making sure every file is perfect but can find what she needs relatively quickly. The walls of her office are filled with inspiration ideas, magazines and most importantly, thank you cards from delighted clients. She thinks, “If I can find it on my desk in two minutes, I have a system…Whatever.” Bottom line, Wanda is more interested in connecting with clients then having the perfect office. Pro: Wandas have an understanding of the heart of a business…clients. Con:The “whatever approach” to tracking projects can come back to bite you.
Glamour Gail: Sleek, sophisticated, elegant, professional
Dressed to kill, grocery list written with a fancy pen, designer handbags are a must and her office is filled with elements that convey class. If a National Awards is earned, you can bet it will be displayed in a gorgeous frame. Pro: Gails are ready for business at the drop of a hat. Con: She can get so caught up in presenting an image she may not connect as well with potential clients.
Photo: minnesotaplaybook.org
How does your persona impact your productivity? The best approach is a blend of Fran, Donna, Ann, Gail and Wanda depending on the client or situation. Examine your Power Words and see if they lead to an office style that allows you to be productive and profitable.
Want to know more about Power Words and how to use them with your clients
We hope you enjoyed this fun Office Personality game. Go The-DSA’s Facebook page share your office personality. Did you identify with Ann, Gail, Wanda, Donna or Fran? Don’t forget to “like us” if you haven’t already.
