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For
advanced: Pay attention to any skin conditions you may have, and always keep applicable creams or lotions at your desk. You should always keep a box of Kleenex right next to your lotion bottle, and keep extra's somewhere close by. For mornings where you just simply forgot to shave, keep an extra disposal razor (and cream) in your desk. Last thing you need in your desk is a toothbrush, toothpaste, and yes, even dental floss for after lunch. You never want to be seen picking spinach out of your teeth.
Getting Organized: Your desk should never look that it was hit by a strong wind, or even a light breeze. While you may have a mind that never forgets a detail, you will never inspire confidence in those that see your working conditions. All meetings should be logged into a calendar of some sort. All papers should be properly categorized into folders, and in a cabinet if possible, or in a neat stack if necessary. Your desk should be clean, and devoid of any crumbs, stains or other unnatural marks or blemishes. You should only be allowed 1 loose paper and pen at your desk. That will be for writing your to-do list for day, and any other relevant information that may need to be noted down quickly. If your company does not offer a regular sized book, then you must buy one yourself. You should never attend a meeting without it.
For advanced: In an organized setting, make sure to place any certificates, work related awards, or any other important documentation in plain view. It should be first items seen by someone as they approach your desk. You may want to keep a bottle of Windex in your desk, but I would keep that low key. You don't want people thinking you are a freak! If you do not have a portable device where you can access your calendar, than look for your availability a few weeks in advance before you attend a meeting. You always want to give impression that you know what you have to do for next few weeks.
If you follow those steps, you will increase level of confidence of your boss about your abilities. And while illusion of control is never a substitute for good, hard, honest work, following these steps will help make sure you do not get overlooked by management. Too often, decisions are made fast, and last thing you need, is for your boss's gut feeling to choose someone else, because you appearance of sloppiness, even if work you hand in is on-time and well done.
Gary Whittaker is the editor of T.E.N Magazine, a social commentary webzine with balls! Check out more articles at http://www.tenwebzine.com
