Sign, Sign, Everywhere a Sign

Have you seen these signs in your workplace?

I was meeting a manager at a client site for the first time and I honestly had a hard time concentrating on the introduction.  Everywhere I looked, these signs were screaming at me – ‘Nap Team Captain’, ‘Lack of Planning on Your Part Doesn’t Constitute an Emergency on Mine’, ‘If You Want Something from Me, Bring Gifts’, ‘If I Haven’t Had Coffee, Proceed with Caution.’ 

Iam not a fan of these signs, especially for managers.  I see them as passive aggressive – sendingthe message that the owner of said signs is not interested in working.  I know they’re meant to be cute and funny; I justdon’t see them as either (especially the number of them I saw in thatoffice!) 

Iget it – most people could say they have better things to do than go towork.  The number of people who don’tlike their job is astronomical.  But isthat the message you want to put out in the universe each and every day?  I’m here but I really don’t want to be.  Great. Talk about setting the bar low from the beginning.

While these signs and their messages may seem innocent and harmless, think about the potential impact on company culture.  What would a candidate who’s touring the office during an interview think?  What message is this sending to new hires?  Would you be proud to have your owner or board of directors see these signs? 

Mywish for work is that all employees find their passion and purpose and workwithin those every day.  Let’s take allof that wasted energy in complaining about companies and bosses and put it towardsomething productive.  Find something youcare about that is bigger than yourself. 

How’s this for a sign? – “Do What You Love, Love What You Do’”– Life is Good