Google “What does your desk say about you?” and you’ll receive more than 100-million search results.
Random, I know, but the subject of people and their desks or workspaces is evidently hugely popular. Extensive research has been done – in fact, when my curiosity got the better of me, one particular name popped up in several articles: Dr Sam Gosling, author of Snoop: What Your Stuff Says About You.
An article in Entrepreneur magazine reads, “Take a look at your employees’ desks. What does the space look like? What personal objects are there?” In addition, the magazine quotes Gosling, who suggests, “It’s really important to look for themes. Focus on the objects that seem consistent and permanent.”
Instinctively, I had a look at my own desk before I looked at everyone else’s in the Cape Town office.
Now I’d like to think of myself as an organised creative, but if I were to refer to the countless articles I read and the list of four “What your desk says about you” categories – I would fall under “Uncommon objects say ... you’re creative and open to new experiences”.
Not entirely convinced, I drew up a list of questions and sent it to fellow Flowstars in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban.
Cape Town
Lauren Gentle
Describe your desk/workspace in three words
White, organised and minimalistic.
What is the one desk item you can’t live without – apart from your Mac, screen, etc?
My mouse.
Is your workspace a reflection of you? Explain.
Definitely. I thrive in an organised environment. If I am around chaos I have to organise it so I can get started with a clear head.
Do you listen to music while working?
Nope.
What’s your desk missing?
A personal touch, I suppose.
Complete the sentence: If my desk were a movie title, it would be ...
The Barren Land.
Stuart Buchanan
Describe your desk/workspace in three words.
Awash with teacups.
What is the one desk item you can’t live without – apart from your Mac, screen, etc?
My 2016 desk calendar, with public holidays highlighted.
Is your workspace a reflection of you? Explain.
Well, I’m trying to embrace the cloud, so yes, the lack of papers everywhere is down to that.
Do you listen to music while working? What are you currently listening to?
For mundane tasks, yes, for writing, no. Currently listening to 2015 Mercury Prize winner Benjamin Clementine.
What’s your desk missing?
A second screen (*hint hint nudge nudge*).
Complete this sentence: If my desk were a movie title, it would be ...
Desk-picable Me.
Zimkhitha Sulelo
Describe your desk/workspace in three words.
Busy, busy, busy.
What is the one desk item you can’t live without – apart from your Mac, screen, etc?
A soft pillow for my naps (kidding). Vaseline tub for my lips.
Is your workspace a reflection of you? Explain.
Yep, a bit all over the place.
Do you listen to music while working?
No, I prefer my own thoughts.
What’s your desk missing? (interpret this as you like)
I just received a large screen so I am focusing on what I have, not what I would like to have.
Complete the sentence: If my desk were a movie title, it would be ...
Gone with the Wind because I always misplace stuff.
Durban
Christine Marot
Describe your desk/workspace in three words.
Busy, but organised.
What is the one desk item you can’t live without – apart from your Mac, screen, etc.
My iPhone.
Is your workspace a reflection of you? Explain.
Yes, lots going on at once, but there is a priority list and a system.
Do you listen to music while working? What are you currently listening to?
Sometimes. Nothing right now, but I enjoy classical music more than other genres while working.
What’s your desk missing?
More space.
Complete the sentence: If my desk were a movie title, it would be ...
Can I change that to a band? Rage Against the Machine.
Johannesburg
Marco Camacho
Describe your desk/workspace in three words.
Clean, uncluttered and comfortable.
What is the one desk item you can’t live without – apart from your Mac, screen, etc.
My phone.
Is your workspace a reflection of you? Explain.
Yes, my desk is a reflection of me as it is organised. I can’t work in chaos.
Do you listen to music while working? What are you currently listening to?
Yes, all sorts, but the genre would be deep house.
What’s your desk missing?
A bar fridge.
Complete the sentence: If my desk were a movie title, it would be ...
Sanctuary.
Ella Marren
Describe your desk/workspace in three words:
Organised, clean and homely.
What is the one desk item you can’t live without – apart from your Mac, screen, etc?
A calculator.
Is your workspace a reflection of you? Explain.
Yes, it is organised as I can’t work in a mess.
Do you listen to music while working?
No, as it’s an open-plan office.
What’s your desk missing?
A wall.
Complete the sentence: If my desk were a movie title, it would be ...
Ghostbusters.
Thrishni Subramoney
Describe your desk/workspace in three words.
Method. To. Madness.
What is the one desk item you can’t live without – apart from your Mac, screen, etc?
Nando’s Extra Extra Hot Peri-Peri Sauce.
Is your workspace a reflection of you? Explain.
Not really. If it was, there would be a shelf of books and a few comic book figurines thrown into the mix.
Do you listen to music while working? What are you currently listening to?
Linkin Park’s Session.
What’s your desk missing?
More snacks, but that might be a good thing to miss.
Complete the sentence: If my desk were a movie title, it would be ...
Get It Done. Like Yesterday.