defining your space...
this has been so enlighteneing!!!!!! i never knew how much defining your space could make a difference. keeping it clean, organized, and knowing where everything is to access it at a moments notice. its really hard to share your space with a person and respect the boundaries.. it requires alot of teamwork and understanding each other... even making sure my files on my computer are cleaned up and organized and be accesed right away.....
to be honest I cna not work in a messy enviroment. I have to be organized and neat at all times.I utilize several labelled trays and cabinets
I've got my own cubby too, a desk in a group of four that has my work on it, but is shared between other instructors. I've tried to make it easy for others to work there when needed, but make it known that since I'm the primary user, I'm expecting it to stay as I left it, which is usually somewhat neat. I get the respect of the other people that use it, usually I find it like I left it. It may be that no one wants to upset the apple cart and find out what leaving a mess would merit.
Finally, a group of my peers who respect organization! LOL I am so organized, it bothers me a lot when others are not. I worked for a man years ago that always had a clean desk, but it was because he slid everything into the drawers each evening and then never could find anything! He always said I had the paperwork he needed, but not once in eight years was it on my desk or in my file cabinet! I did find the part about sharing an office enlightening, because there are indeed different degrees of organization!
Tracy, That sounds very frustrating. A lot of times, having a cubby or special place at the office to store stuff is the only thing that keeps us organized. I recommend writing your name on your cubby and a brief, positive note requesting that your belongings be left undisturbed. Sometimes just telling people what you want is the best way to get it!
Dr. Melissa Read
I have my own "cubby" and have a pile of papers to the left of my computer. This is my current pile, and lately whenever I make it to campus, someone has removed the pile from my desk and thrown it into a box under my desk. No one admits to doing this. What do you advise to get this controlling process stopped/
Unfortunately it is not always easy to define ones own space, especially in shared office space with one computer. The employees where I work have devised a schedule to allow private office time for each of them even though they share one office. It works well, but they communicate well also, which is key.
David, Yes, sometimes it gives us a feeling of control and organization to separate our supplies from others. When we leave supplies out in public spaces, there's always a chance they could be disrupted and disorganized when we return. It's better not to have to worry about those kinds of things.
Dr. Melissa Read
It also helps to keep your papaers and supplies seperate from other instructors
Carol, Yes, many instructors feel the same way. Having a place to collect your thoughts and organize your belongings can go so far in keeping us on track. Some instructors don't have this luxury and they find they've got to make their shared spaces work.
Dr. Melissa Read
Having my own space helps me to be organized and think better to know how to do what's next for my class
that true, we must respect others while we are sharing the space, cabinets, supplies etc.
I agree that a clean space helps to create a more organized and productive work environment as well. Staying organized is difficult at time when you have a million things going on but I think it is very important to stop and reevaluate the situation and reorganize and purge ever week.
I think a clean desk leads to a clean soul! Yes, I know this may sound far-fetched, but think of the causal chain here :-)
Morgan, Completely understand where you are coming from. It can be really hard for some instructors to work without their own space. Sometimes you've just got to carve out a space for you, even if it's the passenger seat of your car. Some people just need consistency.
Dr. Melissa Read
It does take a lot of work, but it is definitely worth it!! It saves so much time and energy. I am one that needs my own little space to be able to find the things I need and I am a very organized person, so if something is out of place It drives me crazy ha!!
Ondrea, Yes, so true. Sometimes, 'invasion' is inevitable. When this happens, it's more about defining boundaries and setting expectations for joint use of the space.
Dr. Melissa Read
Defining your space must be done with open, clear communication on what is your area. I feel that you need to have a good relationship with whoever you will be sharing space with or it will never work. Label and color code everything. Have very difinative areas that are yours. Stay NEAT!
This is important because if we claim our own personal space in the beginning than we can avoid conflict later. One less issue we have to deal with in a busy lifestyle.
I can now see more clearly the importance of space definition if you are in a shared space. I think in retrospect that would be essential if there are to be no mishaps regarding space invasion.
