Next is orientation of your desk within office space, and placement of objects in room and on desk. When you enter your office, stop and face interior. Divide your office into 9 equal-sized areas. Each area represents an area of your life, and also relates to a color and an element. The front three, from left to right, are skills/knowledge/wisdom; career/life path; and helpful people ravel. The middle three are family/foundation; health; and creativity/children. The back three are abundance/prosperity; reputation/fame; and relationships/love/marriage.

The idea is to locate your desk, if possible, in area "where you work". Are you an artist or an teacher? A travel agent or a marriage counselor? A banker or a work at home entrepreneur? A few rules of thumb:

1) Never put your desk directly in front of door, and don't orient it so your back is to door. Either face door directly or so you can see door without turning.

2) Place things in each section of room that enhance meaning of that area of your life. For example, obvious choice for knowledge area is books relating to your work. A not so obvious addition would be an empty vessel, symbolizing openness to new knowledge. In career area might be milestones of your career such as diplomas or awards, or business cards and brochures, etc. Your phone, rolodex, and photo of your mentor might be in helpful people area.

Family would be photos, or maybe religious objects if your foundation is your faith; health area stays open and uncluttered; and something you've created is placed in creativity area.

Water is a universal symbol of abundance, so an aquarium, fountain, or even a picture of a waterfall would be appropriate. The reputation area would contain whatever you would like to be known for. The relationship area would contain momentos of loved ones, or symbols of love. You can put pairs of objects in this area: two roses, two photos or photos of pairs of friends.

3) Do same with arrangement of objects on your desk. Use same areas, but keep it simple. Balance out presence of electronic equipment with a plant or bouquet.

You can also enhance a particular area with color. There are colors that soothe (blue/greens), stimulate (reds), invite collaboration and social gatherings (oranges and browns), enhance mental activity (yellows), suggest oppulence and abundance(purples, maroons, reds). There is an element and color associated with each area also, but that is way too much to get into here.

Bottom line, though, is that your office has to feel good to YOU. Follow feng shui and your instincts and you'll create a more productive, abundant space.

Remember not to be in such a know-it-all position or in such a hurry that you finish other people's sentences. Be sure to comment on their ideas to let them know you have really been listening, not just waiting for them to take a breath so you can jump in with your agenda.

4. Deliver sincere compliments. People you work with do care what you think about them. They appreciate your mentioning their good work. When you do recognize them, be specific in your compliments.

Refrain from saying in an off-handed manner, "Oh, great work, Donna." Make it more personal: "Donna, that is best research that has come across my desk in last six months. Excellent work."

5. Accept sincere compliments. If a colleague comments, "Good presentation." Refrain from saying, "Oh, it was nothing." If a friend says, "Nice suit," don't reply, "This old thing? I've had it for years."

Deflecting a compliment often draws unwanted attention and belittles both you and person offering compliment. Just say, "Thank you." You'll be pleased with how gracious you become.

6. State what you are FOR, not AGAINST. People don't like nor do they cooperate with people who they think are against them. When you are against something, person thinks you are against them personally. Once you voice your opposition to another person's idea, you become part of problem. It's as if a war has started with each of you fighting to be right.

When you are for something, you begin focusing on potential for positive change. You start process of collaboration. You become a powerful person.

Try it. Next time a colleague brings you an idea for improving department, find something about idea you can be for. You may find that you never have to state what you were against in her ideas because synergy and creativity has taken a positive turn to solving problem.