One of the fun little things on my desk (in front of a pile of folders which, at the moment, is put away!)

Well, there is no clear consensus on how we like our desks to look. Not a surprising result, yet instructive on how we each look at the world. Despite yesterday being #CleanOffYourDesk Day, I get the distinct impression that is not something widely celebrated within my circle of friends and colleagues.

There are numerous studies (some results from one conducted at the University of Minnesota can be found here) that suggest a messy desk is a sign of creativity or genius at work. Personally, I’m ok with that. Although right now my desk is at its zenith of neatness, I am confident that will change as January progresses. I fondly remember my mother having a sign with Garfield the Cat on her desk that stated “A clean desk is the sign of a cluttered mind” and given the studies that have been done and some of the commentary shared by my readers, there seems to be some agreement to that point.

So, do not fret over the mess. It may very well mean you are creative, maybe even a genius.  Science will even back you up on that!

Thanks for the input for this week’s post. The question for consideration before next week is…

What is a lesson learned from your 1^st job that still serves you well today?

My blogging goal for 2018 is to foster good debate and discussion on topics. Each week, a post putting out a question will go up. In the days that follow, I will invite people to chime in and provide their perspective(s) on the topic so that the next week’s post can include value taken from across the spectrum. The resolution post will include my own perspective on the topic and the next week’s question.

So, 1st up for 2018. January is often a month of organization and clean out. What are your feelings on a messy desk versus a clean one? Reply using either the comment box below or to me via e-mail Brad-at-rollercoasterhr.com