What I Learned About My Colleagues When They Packed (And Unpacked) a Few Boxes...

We moved our offices the other day.  Eight of us.  We were on the sixth floor and by the end of the day on Friday, the second floor.   Staff from maintenance, IT, building and grounds, our front-desk Security (our go-to everything guy) were all on-hand to see that our transition went smoothly.   It did.  But I learned some interesting things about the people I work with by observing their 'moving methods' and I believe that how we "get up and go" mirrors a lot about how we "settle in" as well.

Let's begin with our resident "Neat Freak".  Not only is his desk set up in categories with orderly stacks of paper lined up meticulously (did he measure that?) but his handwriting is alarmingly precise.  We often joke about it..."who wrote that? Oh right, N.F. did...look at the perfect R".   Well, 'Ha!' on us as Neat Freak packed his boxes in the same way he organized his desk - and while we ripped open cartons saying "not this one yet" N.F. opened them in an orderly fashion and was able to re-build his office from ordered cartons.  Who knew?  We should have as N.F. works with his students in the same way; orderly, organized, methodically and strategically.  N.F. plans my next pack.

The "Blogger" is filled with new ideas and packed her office as though its contents were going to be sent on an exciting adventure. She willingly tossed things that would not meet her new "freshness standard" and when told that a replacement cabinet would be a different size - got busy researching options for updating and beautifying.  Not only were "Blogger's" boxes unpacked with unprecedented speed but she was immersed in work while many were still leading the crew with the dollies;   "Blogger" was revising resumes, suggesting all sorts of job search options to her graduates and had a published article go viral about the same time others were programming their phones.   I want to have lunch in Blogger's new office and I want her to pick the menu.   

Our "Purple Professional" (all office accessories are...) managed to organize the entire office into sections (much like her desk) and alerted the troops about needed supplies well in advance.  Not only did "PP" scout out a good area for her immediate supervisor (taking into consideration plant life, shelf life and all things vital) but transitioned the office and all the moving parts as seamlessly as one might hope while still navigating a busy Career Services department.  "PP also asked everyone what they needed, how she could help - she packed the office the same way she conducted business every day...making sure everyone had everything necessary to get back to business.  When "PP" has the day off I want to stay home myself.

"The Thinker" did a great deal of that.  Strategy and planning went into much of her packing and while many of us were unpacking, "TT" was busy checking her phone and working.  Packing (and unpacking) took longer for "TT" as there was a great deal of contemplation regarding old information, books, supplies.  "Will this be replaced somehow if tossed now? If I toss this now what if I need this later? Let's strategize this possibility"     "TT" works with her students in much the same way.  There is a great deal of thought and planning that goes into her approach - we sometimes have to knock on her window to "speed her up" a bit but at the end of the (somewhat 'longer' for her) day, her students land jobs that only careful planning would garner.  I want "TT" to check over my final arrangements before set in stone.

"Does it Differently" did it differently.  "DID" tossed it all...nothing was safe.  If the piece of paper, folder or particular item was not of immediate use it was history. "DID" packed one box and it was unpacked before it hit the ground.  "DID" handles her staff in the same manner.  There are clean lines, straight initiatives, no rough edges.  You always know where you stand with "DID".  I would like to hire "DID" to check out my closets at home.

"Nice to be Young" (NTBY) was fun to watch.  Not only did she wait until the last possible moment to pack "I'm cool" (she was cool) but she managed to do in half the time what it took several of us several days to accomplish.  "NTBY" walked in sipping her Mocha Latte Java Supreme Need a High IQ to Order Drink stepped over a few boxes and began slowly going through each one. Not only did "NTBY" stroll into each of our offices to see how things were coming along but she ran to a nearby store for supplies, ordered in lunch and updated an excel at the same time.   "NTBY" handles her students the same way she handled the move.  "Relax, let's do this step by step" three screens up on her desk and cell in hand.    I just want to be "NTBY".   

Last but not least is our newest employee whom I refer to as "No Problem, It's All Good".    "NPIAG" actually has not stopped smiling since he started.  "NPIAG" approaches each student as though he has never met anyone as charming or bright.  "NPIAG" approached his empty boxes in the same way.  While there was considerably less to pack into these boxes, "NPIAG" delighted in each part of the process and was unaffected by the noise, the mess and the "oh we might have to put you here for a few days" until your new space is ready scenario that he was informed of.      "NPIAG" considered the turmoil all part of a day's work and was excited to get settled into a new job and a new space. We all can benefit from the good vibes of "NPIAG".

As far as my personal move is concerned, I will get around to the other few boxes that I hid under my desk that contains the first appointment book I filled up at Berkeley and a few other things from my 40 years in recruiting.