Is Workplace Clutter Standing In Your Way?

In the November issue of my eZine, Better Living, I discuss how clutter impedes financial health.

If clutter in our personal lives can clog financial flow, what about clutter in the office? Can that effect our finances as well?

Clutter Hampers Creative Potential

Not long ago, I was in an office where the most noticeable feature was the paper -- piles of it on every surface and on the floor. Displayed above the workspace, in the center of the back wall, was the proud slogan "Creative Minds Are Seldom Tidy."

The individual behind the desk was, in fact, an extremely creative person. But I also saw that clutter and chaos were hampering this person's ability to follow through and keep up. Some basic organizing and time management skills were desperately needed to unleash this person's authentic creative potential.

Clutter Does Not Equal Creativity

It's a common saying, that slogan on the wall. We like to think that when we're being exceptionally creative we don't have time to worry about "trivia" like organizing. Aren't artists supposed to be messy? Aren't they supposed to be surrounded by chaos as they create their masterpieces?

But guess what? I have known many actual artists – incredibly talented, creative and successful people involved in everything from dance to photography to fiber arts. And, almost without exception, their workspaces have been incredibly – shockingly – organized.

A Cluttered Workspace Can Send the Wrong Message

Fair or not, a messy workspace implies messy work. And, if you're in business for yourself, clutter in your office can erode the confidence of your customers as they begin to wonder if you'll be able to do the job.

These are not the kinds of perceptions that translate into promotions, raises or increased clientele.

Start Using These Clutter-Busters Today

So what can you do? Here are five clutter-busting tips that can make dramatic improvements in the state of your workspace:

1. Junk the junk. It is too easy for papers you don't really need to turn into piles on your desk or on the floor. If you don't need it, toss it. And those condiments stashed in your drawer...how old are they, really?
2. File, don't pile. The more you can learn to utilize files – whether in a file drawer of your desk or in an open crate if you like visual reminders – the more you can get off your surfaces. You'll also find it much easier to access what you need. If you have to pile, though (and some people do), try to utilize post-its or some other system to flag items you need to access.
3. Do it now. If you can do a simple task in 2-5 minutes, why put it off? Get it done and out the door.
4. Take it from start to finish. As you sort through items on your desktop, take them all the way to completion. For example, if you've got a job to delegate and have been keeping the papers on your desk, don't put them aside. Take them to the person you need to talk to or schedule a meeting to complete the delegation task. Set aside time every day to process 5-10 items like this and you'll soon notice the difference in the amount of paper and pending to-dos.
5. Empty your inbox daily. That's right, make it your goal to clear out that inbox every day. Nothing should just sit in the inbox. This is just a temporary spot for things you haven't looked at yet. As soon as you look at an item, commit to making a decision about it and following through.

Make these five clutter-busters your working habits and you'll definitely be the one "who has it all together." And how would that look on your next performance appraisal?

© 2005 Jackie Kleinschmidt, All rights reserved.