What Your Office Says to People
Yes, your office should be comfortable and familiar, but it's not a game room. A burl-walnut executive clock? Good. Your tattered John Riggins poster? Bad. Your goal is to surround yourself with stuff that says, "I'm the one who's really in charge here, but let's not make a big deal about it, okay?" Here are seven office must-haves.
1. YOUR DIPLOMA It demonstrates ability, pride, and confidence. Don't give it center stage, though--just tuck it away in a corner somewhere to show you're modest, too.
2. A FAMILY PHOTO It defines who you are, and--more important--gives you license to throw your weight around a bit. You must possess redeeming qualities, after all, if the hot wife and cute kid still love you.
3. A DUMBBELL Set it on the floor in full view. It says to your coworkers, "I take my health as seriously as the company's."
4. A MAP OR GLOBE It demonstrates interest in world events, which implies that you're a big-picture thinker.
5. A SIGNED ANYTHING A painting, photo, baseball. It conveys importance through association.
6. A SET OF SOMETHING Encyclopedias, rare books, whatever. It shows you have a focused and curious mind.
7. A TICKING CLOCK It says, "I'm important and busy. Make this quick."
. . . AND 6 THAT SUGGEST WEAKNESS
1. AN ASHTRAY How can you control your corner of the company if you can't control your nicotine craving?
2. TUBE TV Your ideas are probably outdated, too.
3. FORMICA FURNITURE You're not even important enough for wood? So sorry.
4. A CANDY-COLORED COMPUTER Maybe you ought to showcase your creativity through your work instead.
5. CARDBOARD BOXES Going somewhere?
6. ANYTHING ORANGE It suggests emotional instability
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