Tags
best practices, chaos, clean, clutter, company culture, company environment, conference room, disorganization, meeting room, office, organized, pride
I never used to think it mattered if I pushed in my chair after leaving a conference room table. I’d go in, attend a meeting and then head out to the next appointment. Who cares if the chair is returned to the table?
Then, one day, I was told to do it.
That pushing in chairs, resetting the room and AV equipment, and ensuring all trash was in the garbage cans was non-negotiable. It was a mandatory practice throughout our company.
I (inwardly) balked at first. Would it really matter? Was it that important of a directive? But I did it – I pushed in my chair, made sure the table was clean, and returned any items to their designated locations.
At first I did it only to follow the mandate of the executive, but as time went on I understood the importance of these simple actions. Leaving the room organized is not only for customers or when a tour is conducted, but it is also creates a positive work practice and environment. Positive in that is a great feeling to enter a meeting room – any size from the executive board room to a 4-seater side area on the manufacturing floor – and find a space that is clean, organized and ready for use.
Now, whenever I walk into a conference room that is left in disarray, I think it sets a tone for the company. Chaos. Clutter. Disorganization. That meeting space might accurately reflect the organization’s environment and to a lesser (or bigger) extent, the culture. If the employees don’t have the care, concern or time to push in a chair or throw away empty water bottles, then perhaps they don’t care about the bigger picture either.
What is your practice when it comes to pushing in the chair? Do you think something considered to be minor can have a greater positive impact?