Creating order out of chaos

I found myself recently on a treadmill machine in the gym whilst listening to a personal development expert on my iPod extol the virtues of being organised.  "If" he asked "a prospective client/stakeholder/boss was to see your office space would they entrust you with a significant piece of work or project?"

And that got me thinking.....

Just how do we go about making significant decisions?  Are the things that are maybe on our own periphery much more central to others?  I reflected on my office space and asked myself if this was all a person had to go on, what conclusions might they draw about me?  I confess I didn't much like my own answer.

My guru went on, as the treadmill went up a pace, up to 30% of time is wasted by senior executives "looking for things".  Now I feel conviction kicking in.  I reflected on just how much time I waste on a weekly basis doing, well, just that.

Now whenever we encounter new information we have a choice.  Choice number one.  Do nothing.  This is the choice that leads down the path of mediocrity and as anyone passionate about  good leadership will tell you, this is not a good nor wise choice.  Choice number two.  Do something with the information and make a change, giving life to your learning.

Time I decided to give life to my learning and so I have embarked on a four day "organise" of my work space and at the very great risk of sounding like a recent idealogical/theological convert, the result is nothing short of amazing.

Firstly, I can find things.  Files, notes, references, posits, staplers, books, feedback forms- you name it I can locate it within minutes.  Secondly, I "feel" more organised, more capable and more confident.  I have a renewed sense of appreciation for "clutter" experts whose unique selling point is their ability to help you de-clutter your life.  Thirdly, I have noticed a surge of creativity and innovation, now there is order its as if my unconscious can bring all sorts of ideas  to light which my conscious mind can process in a relaxed and critically appreciative manner!

So, what does your work space say about you?  How does it communicate to others?  and more importantly does it help or hinder your personal effectiveness?  I really think creating order out of chaos could catch on and with the extra 30% of time saved, who knows just what we might all achieve?