They won't help you do anything--but they'll help you be better.
Desk space can be a precious commodity. So even if you're not the most organized of individuals
(and no one says you absolutely have to be), you still should be picky
about what has the right to be in front of you every day. This doesn't
mean, though, that every item on your desk
has to be completely functional. In fact, there are a select few items
that, in my opinion, great leaders always should have present despite
the fact you technically don't use them to work.
1. An inspirational piece
No,
I'm not talking your standard desk calendar of mantras and
quotes--digital "of the day" subscriptions can take care of those for
you. I mean a small item that challenges you to be better, comes from a
time of meaningful change or connects to your big picture "why" for
working. For example, if a mentor used a game of chess to convey to you
that each decision in your life influences the next and that it's
critical to be future-minded, a single game piece can do the job. If
someone asks about this piece, you always will have a lesson of value to
share.
2. A personality item
It's all too easy for leaders to lose sight of who they are
as they strive for specific objectives or try to keep ventures afloat. A
personality item--for example, unicorn pens, a small figurine of
Buddha, or even a stress-relief squeeze toy in the shape of Sigmund
Freud's head (yes, I have one of these)--can remind you of the need for
balance and reaffirm who you are off the clock. It can encourage you to
let your guard down and allow your team to see all sides of you, as
well.
3. A self-care tool
Self-care "tools" can be a
handheld massager, fresh piece of fruit, timer or journal for
meditation, bottle of aromatic essential oil or even a silly bobblehead
toy that always makes you smile. The idea is, taking care of yourself
and taking care of your business are inextricably linked. Having a
physical reminder to nourish your mind or body as you work can encourage
you not to overdo it and to set a good health example for those you
lead.
4. A photo of people
Images of your family or
mentors are always good choices here. But regardless of who the people
in the picture are, a small photo of people who mean something to you
serves as a strong reminder that, no matter what projects might be on
your plate, work is always done for and by individuals, and work isn't
all there is to life. Let these images remind you that connection
matters and that you aren't alone when things are rough, even if you
consider yourself more introverted.
Granted, some people don't
want personal photos up for privacy reasons. If that's the case for you,
simply find a photo or image that reminds you of the people who matter.
For instance, as a gift, my husband once made a poster-sized version of
Cartman from South Park sneezing, which still cracks me up. I
can't help but think of him when I see it, and in terms of self-care,
it's something that makes me happy--laughter is an incredible stress
reliever, after all.
When it comes to selecting these items,
you'll know that you've found the right pieces if looking at them always
triggers the same strong path of thoughts for you, and if you feel more
grounded with them in the space.
Remember, too, that you can make
these items work without creating a huge footprint--you can set some
photos as a screensaver sequence, for example, or you can turn that
meaningful chess piece into a beautifully etched image on a glass desk
topper. Get creative, but make sure your space always allows you to
connect to yourself, others, how you've grown or can continue to grow,
your health, and what motivates and challenges you.
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