Why I Am Here?

Summary

This video emphasizes how the location, size, and content of an office reflect both an individual’s value within a company and their self-perception. It explores how office space communicates the company’s view of an employee, as well as how personal office organization and the types of books displayed indicate self-identity and growth goals. The speaker also critiques the impact of remote work, suggesting that working from home can send negative signals to employees about their importance in the company. Key takeaways are to observe your office and ask what messages are being sent both externally and internally.

Takeaways

• 😀 Your office size and location reflect how the company views you and your potential for growth.
• 😀 A larger, well-positioned office indicates a strong growth path, while a small or less desirable office signals stagnation.
• 😀 Office assignments are a key indicator of your professional value—compare your office to others in similar roles.
• 😀 The company might not allow you to swap offices with higher-ranking individuals, highlighting discrepancies in perceived importance.
• 😀 The state of your office (messy or organized) reflects how you view yourself and your approach to work.
• 😀 A business-oriented office setup, with a balance of business, self-help, and technical books, shows a leadership mindset.
• 😀 A CISO's office should have more business-related books than technical ones, signaling a strategic outlook over a purely technical focus.
• 😀 The content of your bookshelf reveals your self-perception, areas of growth, and expertise.
• 😀 Working from home can send the message that the company doesn't view you as critical enough to be present in the office.
• 😀 Despite the appeal of work-from-home, it can demotivate employees due to the underlying message of being less valued.
• 😀 Reflecting on your workspace—whether at home or in the office—can help you understand what messages are being sent about your role and self-perception.

Q & A

What does the position of your office tell you about how the company views you?

The position of your office reflects how the company views your value. A larger or more prominent office typically indicates that the company sees you as important and on a growth path, while a smaller or less visible office may suggest you're considered less critical or overpaid for your role.

How can you test the company's perception of your value based on your office?

You can test the company's perception by asking to change offices with someone higher up or comparing your office to others with similar titles. If the company refuses to make the swap, it suggests that they don’t view your role as equivalent to others with more senior positions.

What does a messy office with a lot of technical gear say about how you view yourself?

A messy office filled with technical gear may indicate that you view yourself as a technical worker rather than a business-oriented leader. It suggests a focus on operational and technical tasks rather than strategic or managerial roles.

What does a clean, organized office with business books suggest about how you see yourself?

A clean, organized office with business books suggests that you view yourself as a business leader or someone with a managerial mindset. It shows that you prioritize business and leadership knowledge, positioning yourself as someone ready for higher roles.

What should the ideal office of a SISO (Chief Information Security Officer) look like?

The ideal office of a SISO should be neat and organized, with a mix of business books (60%), self-help books (10%), and security or technical books (30%). This balance shows that the individual sees themselves as both a strategic business leader and a technical expert.

What role do books in your office play in understanding your professional growth?

The books in your office serve as a reflection of your professional growth and aspirations. Business and leadership books indicate a focus on leadership, while technical books show a desire to stay updated on industry-specific knowledge. Self-help books signal an interest in personal development and improving overall leadership qualities.

What message does working from home send according to the speaker?

According to the speaker, working from home can send the message that the company doesn't view you as important enough to be physically present in the office. While employees may prefer remote work, this arrangement can inadvertently lead to feelings of being undervalued.

How does the office setup at home reflect the messages being sent about one's importance?

Just like at a physical office, the organization and setup of your home office convey how you view yourself. A disorganized or overly technical home office can suggest a focus on the technical side of your role, while a more structured and business-oriented space signals a more professional, leadership-driven mindset.

What are the two critical questions you should ask yourself when evaluating your office?

The two critical questions to ask yourself when evaluating your office are: 'What message is the company sending to me?' and 'What message am I sending to myself?' These questions help you assess both external perceptions and your internal self-view based on your workspace.

How does the company’s office space allocation affect employee motivation?

The company’s office space allocation directly impacts employee motivation. A well-placed office or a spacious workspace can make employees feel valued and on a growth trajectory, whereas small or poorly situated offices can lead to frustration, demotivation, and a sense of being undervalued.