Keeping Calm is Key to Good Leadership
7/26/2010 at 9:35 am by
The cubicle is the ultimate symbol of office life. It may not be the most positive item to associate with the corporate world, but thanks to years of Dilbert cartoons, it’s what we’re left with.
Luckily, the days of the cubicle are going to the way of the dodo – that is, they’re soon to be no more.
Modern office architecture is all about open spaces and a modern attitude towards hierarchy, with everyone from CEOs to secretaries visible to each employee. In fact, Steve Jobs is famous for often walking around the Apple headquarters in Cupertino, California, barefoot.
But what that kind of relaxed attitude and increased visibility means is that there’s nowhere to hide if you or an employee needs a minute of privacy.
We all know the feeling – maybe you got some bad news, or a meeting didn’t go your way. For whatever reason, you just want to get into your office or your cubicle and have a moment alone.
One of the biggest tricks to management is appearing calm at all times – with the key word being “appearing.” Obviously no one is calm all the time. But looking composed, attentive and in control is key to making everyone around you feel like they, too, are composed, attentive and in control.
Leadership in these kinds of environments can help avoid, and when necessary manage, the kinds of drama that too often pervade the workplace. In an open office environment, you’re always visible. Act accordingly.





