By Alina Dizik,
Still gunning for that corner office? First you've got to
learn how to work in your company's cubicle farm. Not sure how to
navigate the unspoken rules to be the perfect cubicle dweller? Here,
experts weigh in on the 10 commandments:
Focus and refocus
Because
of the possibility for constant interruptions, it's important to set
priorities. "If you don't know your complete inventory of work and you
can't instantly refocus on the next priority -- or your manager's
emergency du jour -- you won't work well in a cubicle because there are
too many interruptions," says Scot Herrick, founder of Cuberules.com.
Make it comfortable
Whether
you want to be seated with your back to the hallway or watching those
who pass by your cube, arrange your space the way you want it, Herrick
suggests. Add photos or decorations to create a more personalized and
comfortable environment. "You spend all this time there [so] make your
space your space," he says.
Stay off speaker phone
It's
easy to simply start dialing on your desk phone and never pick up the
receiver, but it's important to know that those around you don't want to
hear your whole conversation. Pick up the phone or use a headset. "For
some reason, it is easier to tune out a person on the phone with a
one-sided conversation than hearing both sides," Herrick says.
Go elsewhere for meetings
"Don't
hold a never-ending parade of meetings at your desk," Herrick says.
Instead, be more considerate to those around you and find a conference
room or grab a coffee for longer talks. While holding shorter
conversations at your cubicle is not taboo, using your space as a
boardroom can be very distracting to your neighbors.
Be careful of what you say
Even
when you don't see the people around you -- all of your conversations
are still being heard. Be especially careful when speaking negatively
about work related matters. And avoid any foul language, says Jacqueline
Peros, founder of JMP Image and Style Group.
Avoid informal gatherings
While
it's okay to stop by for some quick catching up, it can be easy to get
caught up on the details of a co-worker's personal dilemma, Persos says.
If a conversation is lingering on for too long, suggest a time to grab
lunch or coffee in the break room to catch up with your co-worker when
you're away from your cubicle.
Be mindful of volume
Don't
disturb others with your ringing devices. Set your desk phone to low
volume and your cell phone to vibrate. If you're watching a video on
your computer be sure to use headphones. With so many electronic devices
it's important to keep the volume at a level that won't disturb your
neighbors.
Use your indoor voice
Most cubicle
dwellers have trouble keeping their voices down, especially when they
talk on the phone. Staying aware of your own volume can help. "Some
individuals are not aware of how loud their voice projects," Peros says.
"If you think it might be too loud, ask your cube neighbors to weigh in
and let you know."
Befriend your neighbors
There's no way to be completely isolated from your neighbors, so it's important that you build
a comfortable communication style. "Keeping an open and honest dialogue
with your cube neighbors is a great way to build a mutually
collaborative and productive work environment for everyone," Peros says.
Use your manners
No matter what you do in a
cubicle, your actions are always on display. Each time you come to work,
make sure you're at your most professional. "Manners are extremely
important when working in a cube environment because everyone is sharing
a common public space," Peros says.