Think of a professional office space you've recently visited. It could be where you work, a doctor's office, the mall. Try to recall if you saw any plants in the foyer, atrium, or common areas. Now, think of the executives in your company and their office space. Which offices have plants?
Plants are barometers of professionalism and employee engagement with the company. The presence of plants in the common spaces of an office show attention to detail and a value in company image. Any company would do well to make sure 1) they are not artificial and 2) in good health with no browning leaves. Think of the message either of those would send?!
Plants on a worker's desk are a barometer of that person's outlook. Adding plants to your workspace improves your own mood and unconsciously makes others around you feel more comfortable. But plants are something that need tending. Well-cared for plants in a personal workspace show that you are engaged in the big picture and outlook of the company, and also aware that small daily gestures contribute to the larger goal. Moreover, a plant in bloom sends a message to the company executives: you are invested in your own success. You have an eye to the big picture and are invested in the company's well-being (i.e. having plants on your desk to make it a peaceful environment), but will do what it takes to make sure you profit from it, too (i.e. you water and fertilize said plants to make pretty flowers for you to look at all day long).
What are you doing to bloom where you are planted?
Are you reading Seth Godin's blog? (Supposedly the most-read blog on the internet.) If not, you should check it out, since this post is exactly the kind of thing he would write.
ReplyDeleteHey! Nice work : )
ReplyDeleteI've been thinking about this all weekend. I don't agree that caring for a plant means a person is invested in the big picture. That is, it might mean that; but it probably means that a person likes plants. He probably cares for the plant the way other people check Facebook: as a way of reducing stress, turning the mind to something not-work for just a couple minutes.
ReplyDeleteI would agree that having a flowering plant in one's cube is like have a clean & organized cube, or dressing nicely every day. It sends a signal of self-respect and personal dignity.
ReplyDelete