26 August 2008

Have pride in your workplace even if you are the only one there

When was the last time you walked into a business and went, ‘Wow’? My guess would be not recently, but I hope I am wrong. Your workplace should be impressive, even if you are the only person working there.

Having pride in your workplace means it looks clean and tidy, it is organised and it is ready for business. Too many businesses look run down and worn out—often reflecting the feelings of the business owners. The place might look dirty and grubby, the pictures are crooked, the brochures are in messy piles, none of the furniture matches, there is a very strange smell, the carpet is faded, AC/DC are blaring on a cheap stereo and there is no real sign of life—certainly no feeling of energy or enthusiasm from the staff.

Compare this to the concept of walking into a well-lit, freshly painted business, where all the displays are neat and tidy, the staff are wearing clean, ironed uniforms, there are fresh flowers on the counter and a clean smell throughout, everything looks in place and there is gentle background music playing. Much more inviting and memorable (and profitable). 

An excellent idea I promote throughout this manual is the concept of becoming a better observer of other businesses. This is a characteristic that I have seen as a common thread in many very successful entrepreneurs—they look at everything. Whenever you go into a business take a moment to look around—what do they do right and what do they do wrong? From here, what could you do better?

I think too many workplaces look shocking, specifically in some industries. They look functional, definitely uninspired and, generally, no one wants to stay there too long. Personally I couldn’t imagine working in a place like that. To me, we all spend more time at work than just about anywhere else. I think it is essential my office looks clean, inviting, motivational and welcoming for my customers, my suppliers and my staff.

It is like the business where the front reception is very impressive but as soon as you walk out back it looks like a bomb has gone off. Have pride in your workplace and it will be reflected in everyone who deals with you. Just getting the compliments from your customers is very rewarding, but the overall financial benefits of having a business that looks like you care about it will be even more rewarding because the customers will want to keep coming back.

 

 

6 thoughts on “Have pride in your workplace even if you are the only one there”

  1. Susan Jones says:

    is this me? this is me isn’t it … i’m going to put on nice music right now.

  2. I love this article. I’m going to send it to “the powers that be” at the place I’m currently visiting. It’s completely in tune with my own beliefs, but seeing it come from such an informed source as Andrew Griffiths might add enough credibility to the arguament to get some action happening.

    Great blog and great advice! I’m loving it!

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