When I started MindComet ten years ago one of my dreams was to have a big fancy office. I worked for many years toward that goal, treating myself to a bigger and bigger office as the company grew. Four years later the company became big enough to build its own building. I designed the space and hooked myself up with a mac daddy office, complete with interactive white board, wet bar and personal fridge.
It took several years to complete construction of the MindComet building. By the time it was done something crazy had happened… I no longer worked there. In the middle of all the construction madness IZEA was born. Turns out that I never worked a day in that fancy office I built.
Ditch Your Personal Office
I was now at a new company, in a new location, working with a bunch of people that I just hired. I made the decision that I wouldn’t put myself in an office at first. I thought it would be better to be “out on the dance floor” with my new team members so I could get to know them. Four years later I can honestly say that it was one of the best things I have ever done as a CEO.
My experience has made me a huge believer in open work environments. At IZEA nobody has an office. It took some time for the management team to buy in to but once we all adjusted the benefits became clear. Personal offices constrict communication, draw a physical line between management and other team members and generally serve no purpose outside of feeding management ego. Our open structure makes our management team available to all team members. It allows us to monitor the pulse of the company and more openly collaborate with others.
I’m not watching the dance floor from my cushy seat at the bar, I am out there dancing my ass off with the team. (As you can see from the picture I try to apply the same principle to our customers).
I know what you are going to say. “I need privacy… I work on sensitive materials”. Yes, most management does. I am not suggesting you make your desk visible to every passer by. You can be on the floor and place your desk strategically, you can also invest in some locking file cabinets. Take your old offices and transform them into shared privacy rooms for important phone calls or projects. I know it sound a little scary, but you can do it. I promise you will thank me later.
I have a pretty sweet office. It has a couch and a window with a great view. It’s been almost a year since I actually worked in there. I have have a desk in one of the pods on our “dance floor” and I love it. I am in the middle of the action every day and I would not trade my desk for anything. It helps me perform in my job, VP of Operations. I have insight into mood, work load, and daily operations that I would have if I stayed in my office. It also makes me infinity more approachable because I am there. It works and you should try it. It is also a whole lot more fun every day sitting next to awesome people than sitting by yourself.
@Jennifer Carey:
I love that you are on the floor Jen : )
This is an incredible idea. It is “Out of the Box” thinking. I realize it makes everyone feel important to rub shoulders with “the suits”. And that is really what most people want in life is to feel IMPORTANT! Great Read!
In addition to getting to know your team, being on the front lines with your troops allows you to see and squash any potential problems before they get out of control. Having worked on your team I also always appreciated your accessibility and openness to ideas. Regardless of who brought an idea to the table it was at least heard and considered. Everyone had a voice and felt they could use it…not like a restricted corporation.
good post
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