The Owners' Manual | Issue 11 | Fall 2017

R-E-S-P-E-C-T, FIND OUT WHAT IT MEANS TO ME While everyone may look accessible, it doesn’t mean they are – Respect their need to focus and accomplish tasks by minimizing idle conversation and respecting their status color. Green – Stop by, I’m available. Yellow – Something important on your mind? Let’s talk! Red – Please come back later… SET AN EXAMPLE We all get sidetracked - We check social media or answer a personal call. Remember, your office behavior is on full display for your colleagues. They know when you’re not being productive and doing it too often shows disrespect for your team. WHAT STINKS? Be considerate when packing/unpacking your lunch, no one wants to smell the leftover salmon you had for dinner last night! Many people are allergic to strong scents – so keep the perfume and cologne to a minimum as well. RESIST THE SPEAKERPHONE BUTTON Playing back your voicemail messages on speakerphone or conducting an entire call on speakerphone is distracting to people trying to work around you. Sometimes people see the speakerphone as an opportunity to multitask. Use a headset instead of the speakerphone if your real aim is to keep your hands free to take notes or refer to documents. If a group must be party to a conversation move the speakerphone call to an available office or conference room.

WHEN SHOULD I USE A CONFERENCE ROOM? ► Cohort Meetings

► Longer Discussions, Including Plan/Document Reviews

► Team Meetings ► Committee Meetings

► Call or Discussion that Requires Privacy ► Meeting with a client or a potential hire

CUT THE CLUTTER Everything is in view, keep your area tidy and help keep common areas clean.

HELP PREVENT NOISE POLLUTION Conversations (either via telephone or between Employee-Owners) can distract others, so consider using a conference room for longer discussions. Meetings or longer conversations with two or more people should also use a conference room. You may love the polka genre, but it doesn’t mean your co-workers do – so remember to use your headphones! NO SPACE HOGGING Avoid utilization of common or unutilized work areas for storage of items. If you use an area be sure to return it to a neat and tidy condition after your use. Never leave work related items in a conference room for an extended period. Unassigned work areas are used by visiting Employee-Owners and as such should remain uncluttered and ready for use. BE FLEXIBLE AND OPEN-MINDED Keep in mind that everyone makes mistakes and someone may not realize that they are disturbing you; kindly ask them if they could move their conversation to a conference room or let them know that you have a task that you need to focus on and will check in with them afterwards. Be as considerate to others as you would like them to be to you!

issue 11 // 13