ILASFAA Annual Conference April 16-18, 2008 Image: “What your office says about you.” Kellie Fedele, DeVry University

ILASFAA Annual Conference April 16-18, 2008 Objectives Symbolic Cues The 6 main types of personalities Effects on students/careers Do’s and Don’ts Quiz

ILASFAA Annual Conference April 16-18, 2008 Offices reveal the true personality, habits and ambitions of their owners. Symbolic Cues

ILASFAA Annual Conference April 16-18, 2008 Symbolic Cues Control and Superiority Closed connection Smaller uncomfortable chairs Computer is a distraction

ILASFAA Annual Conference April 16-18, 2008 Symbolic Cues By moving the visitors seating to the side creates a more inviting environment. Creates for a positive outcome.

ILASFAA Annual Conference April 16-18, 2008 Symbolic Cues Comfort and relaxation Informal and most likely collaborative. Team orientated Down to earth and on a level that is non- threatening.

ILASFAA Annual Conference April 16-18, 2008 Symbolic Cues Plants Post-it-Notes Clocks Family Photos Candy Bowl Motivation Plaques, Posters, etc.. Level of Personalization Tidiness Empty Desk ** Study by Sam Gosling, Personality researcher from University of Texas.

ILASFAA Annual Conference April 16-18, main types of personalities Business Like- Super Organized Desk Organized Chaos Desk Creative Chaos Desk Personality Extension Desk Show Desk Trophy Desk **Study by Donna Dawson, Behavioral Psychologist- Adecco Group

ILASFAA Annual Conference April 16-18, main types of personalities Very neat with no frills or personal clutter. Likely to be a super-efficient and only the essentials are prominent, such as a pen, notebook and stapler. 1.Business Like- Super Organized Desk

ILASFAA Annual Conference April 16-18, main types of personalities This personality has piles of paper, overflowing onto the floor, window and seat. The owner will claim to have a "filing system" where they can easily find what they are looking for. 2.Organized Chaos Desk

ILASFAA Annual Conference April 16-18, main types of personalities Filled with an interesting array of clutter revealing a creative and agile mind. Not focused on technology, this owner is a great source of ideas. May Misplace projects or papers. 3.Creative Chaos Desk

ILASFAA Annual Conference April 16-18, main types of personalities Covered with dozens of personal touches. The owner may even keep personal items easily accessible. Very energetic, and keeps food, drink and other items readily available for quick nourishment. They are friendly and talkative, but may not be discreet with confidential information. 4.Personality Extension Desk

ILASFAA Annual Conference April 16-18, main types of personalities Carefully scripted to present an image of the importance of its occupant. It is very large with few items visible and no personal memorabilia. 5.Show Desk Although friendly in a social group, they become coldly professional once behind the desk.

ILASFAA Annual Conference April 16-18, main types of personalities Messy and covered with items that reflect its owner's social, professional or financial success. These "trophies" While the look may appear random, each item is strategically placed for maximum effect and visibility. 6.Trophy Desk

ILASFAA Annual Conference April 16-18, 2008 Effects on Students Positive Results Welcoming environment Creditable Knowledgeable Connection Feelings of trust Results Negative Results Overwhelmed Wrong image of your persona or your work habits. Don’t feel you are dependable. Scatterbrain

ILASFAA Annual Conference April 16-18, 2008 Effects on Career Positive Results Noticed by others around you for your skills. Given more responsibilities Nominated for Leadership roles Negative Results People get the wrong image about you. Assume your something your not Hold you back from Leadership positions.

ILASFAA Annual Conference April 16-18, 2008 Do’s and Don'ts Do give yourself some visual breaks Do bring a bit of nature inside Do add more lighting Do consider your institutions standards Do have a little fun Do have up-to date forms Don't display inappropriate pictures or messages Don't let your cube become a pigsty or look like your bedroom

ILASFAA Annual Conference April 16-18, 2008 I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget the impression you leave.

ILASFAA Annual Conference April 16-18, 2008 Quiz

ILASFAA Annual Conference April 16-18, 2008 Contact Information: Kellie Fedele, Training Specialist DeVry University Happy Friday, Thank you for your time!!!