You can Reach me on my Cell
Yesterday, I received a call from a valued local contact. She called on my cell phone because earlier in the day she tried my desk and I wasn’t there. For me, this is completely normal. I often work productively from Starbucks, the Airport, the Gym or anywhere I can get WiFi or use my mobile data card. Her comment to me was, "Are you ever at your desk?" She asked it with more meaning than just an off-handed joking way. She was generally surprised that I am requently not reachable on my desk phone.
I think the difference stems from a generational divide. The generation or two before my generation viewed a hard day’s work as being in front of your desk grinding out your productivity. I have no doubt that my contact can be found at her desk between the hours of 6:00 AM and 8:00 PM five - if not six - days a week.
For me, eight hours at my desk means I didn’t create or extend any relationships or participate in the community. Whether it’s a meeting, catching up on email after a workout or sitting in Starbucks enjoying overpriced coffee, I feel just as productive but have the added opportunity of running into someone I know or meeting someone I don’t.
Plus, if your job requires any "outside the box" thinking, get out of the office once in a while. We have nice offices, but the day-to-day grind kills creativity.
