It is amazing how fast clutter builds up!  Clutter builds on computer desktops and files.  It builds up on desks, offices, kitchens and storage areas.  Active IT shops are prone to clutter.  I have seen some amazingly cluttered computer rooms and repair shops over the years.  For some reason, cables and hardware tend to pile up easily.

It is interesting that some financial and fitness advisors and coaches start their programs by requesting the client to clean up and declutter their home and workspaces.  There seems to be some type of therapeutic effect that comes from the process.

IT Managers who wish to reenergize their organizations should consider getting everyone in the shop to clean up.  I remember we use to order dumpsters for all the areas and hold competitions for the fastest and best cleaning job by department.  We would stop what we were doing for two hours or so on a Friday afternoon and everyone would be cleaning up the place.  It was fun!!!  There is some magic when you are done with that and the benefits seem intangible, but trust me, they are there and are strong!  Get everyone to clean up and you’ll see.  And unless you want to make this an ongoing effort, dig at the root cause of some of the worst clutter areas and put in place corrective action to mitigate clutter.  Doing regular “white glove” inspections and inviting bosses and customers to visit provides compelling reasons to keep things tidy.

Cleaning up computer desktops and files can also be very liberating for people.  Plus, it can be a decent productivity booster and storage cost saver.  It is amazing how much stuff duplicates and builds up inside these computers drives. This one is harder to manage, but if you make a good case, people will get the benefits and will do it without much “forcing”.

So have everyone take some time to declutter!

The BEST is Yet to Come!

Epi Torres, CEO