Desk Organization For Focus

In 2015, I used to treat site maps as data dumps. Too much information and no idea what to do with it. But after years of practicing and learning visual communication, I have figured out a way to fix that. Here’s what I do to avoid the clutter: 1. Define the design question first. ↳ What am I trying to learn or prove? 2. Choose layers that support that goal. ↳ Don’t include everything. Include what’s relevant. 3. Sequence your layers with intention. ↳ One layer should lead to the next, building a clear narrative. When done well, site analysis doesn’t just show what’s there; it starts shaping how you design. It points to tensions, gaps, and opportunities. And it helps communicate your intent long before the first plan is drawn. And one final tip: visual clarity matters as much as the data. Use consistent colors, line weights, and text to lead the viewer's eye through your narrative. 📎 I’ve compiled these layers and structuring tips into a short PDF. P.S.: Want to upgrade your site analysis maps? The ‘Mastering Site Analysis’ course helps you create more functional and compelling maps. Link in the comments below.

KEY 5S AUDIT POINTS AND AUDIT SHEET 1. Sort (Seiri) Identify Unnecessary Items: Separate items that are not required for current tasks. Red-tagging: Use red tags to mark and remove unnecessary items. Free Up Space: Clear clutter and create a clean workspace. Minimize Waste: Reduce excess inventory and non-essential materials. Simplify Work Areas: Ensure only essential tools and equipment are present. 2. Set in Order (Seiton) Organize Tools and Materials: Arrange items in a logical order based on usage frequency. Label Items Clearly: Use labels or color codes to make identification easier. Create Storage Locations: Assign specific places for each item to reduce searching. Visual Controls: Implement visual cues like shadow boards to guide proper storage. Optimize Workflow: Design the workspace for maximum efficiency and minimal movement. 3. Shine (Seiso) Regular Cleaning: Perform daily cleaning of the work environment, machines, and equipment. Inspect Equipment: Look for signs of wear, damage, or malfunction during cleaning. Maintain Cleanliness: Keep floors, tools, and surfaces tidy to avoid contamination. Eliminate Dirt and Debris: Ensure all work areas are free from dust and waste materials. Preventive Maintenance: Develop a routine for maintaining and cleaning machinery to avoid breakdowns. 4. Standardize (Seiketsu) Create SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures): Develop written procedures to standardize tasks. Implement Visual Cues: Use color codes, labels, and signs for consistency. Ensure Consistency: Make sure practices are uniform across shifts and teams. Documentation: Keep records of standards to track adherence. Training and Awareness: Ensure all employees are trained on standardized procedures. 5. Sustain (Shitsuke) Develop Discipline: Foster a culture of self-discipline to maintain 5S practices. Regular Audits: Conduct routine audits to ensure 5S principles are followed. Continuous Improvement: Encourage feedback and constant updates to the 5S system. Management Commitment: Ensure leadership supports and promotes 5S initiatives. Employee Engagement: Involve employees in maintaining and improving 5S practices.

What if the secret to sharper decisions lies not in your strategy, but in your surroundings? We spend much of our leadership energy on strategy and systems. Yet the physical environment we work in...the light, the noise and the temperature shapes our ability to think clearly and make good decisions. Researchers note that exposure to light not only governs vision but also influences alertness, cognition and mood. Bright light reduces sleepiness and improves neuro behavioural performance. Conversely, high levels of noise, particularly irrelevant speech, diminish cognitive performance more than temperature. In one study, researchers observed optimal cognitive performance at a moderate temperature with noise levels around 55 dB. I saw this play out when we refreshed the back office of a restaurant I was overseeing. The team had been working under harsh fluorescent lights and constant background chatter from the kitchen. People were tired, mistakes crept in and tensions rose. After reading about the effects of the environment, we replaced the lighting with softer, brighter bulbs, opened blinds to let natural light in and set up a quiet area away from the busiest machines. Within days, the mood lifted. Staff reported feeling more alert and less stressed. For leaders looking to harness the environment, here are a few considerations: 1. Let in the light. Where possible, increase exposure to daylight or use bright lighting. Evidence suggests that this helps maintain alertness and reduces sleepiness. 2. Control noise. Background chatter and irrelevant speech can impair concentration. Aim for moderate noise levels and quiet zones if your space allows. 3. Mind the temperature. Studies have found that cognitive performance peaks at moderate temperatures and falls when rooms are too cold or too hot. 4. Observe and adjust. Walk through your workspace at different times. Notice where people seem energised or drained. By managing light, sound and comfort, we give ourselves and our teams a better platform to perform. Have you made any changes to your environment that improved focus or morale? I would be keen to hear what worked for you.

Managing Industrial Noise: Causes & Safety Precautions 🔊⚠️ Noise pollution is a significant hazard in many industries, affecting workers' health and efficiency. Prolonged exposure to high noise levels can lead to hearing loss, stress, reduced concentration, and communication difficulties, increasing the risk of workplace accidents. Causes of Industrial Noise: 🔹 Machinery & Equipment: Heavy-duty machines, compressors, and turbines. 🔹 Impact Processes: Metal cutting, hammering, and welding. 🔹 High-Speed Operations: Fans, conveyors, and ventilation systems. 🔹 Vehicle & Traffic Noise: Forklifts, trucks, and transport equipment. 🔹 Explosions & Pneumatic Systems: High-pressure air tools and blasting. Noise Control Measures – Applying the 5 Stages of Risk Management 1️⃣ Elimination 🚫 ✔️ Replace noisy processes with quieter alternatives. ✔️ Shift from mechanical to hydraulic or electric systems where possible. 2️⃣ Substitution 🔄 ✔️ Use low-noise machinery and tools. ✔️ Replace impact processes with vibration-dampened alternatives. 3️⃣ Engineering Controls 🏗️ ✔️ Install sound barriers, acoustic enclosures, or silencers. ✔️ Maintain and lubricate machinery to reduce friction noise. ✔️ Use damping materials to absorb vibrations. 4️⃣ Administrative Controls 📋 ✔️ Implement job rotation to limit noise exposure duration. ✔️ Establish quiet zones for workers’ recovery. ✔️ Conduct regular hearing checks and provide noise awareness training. 5️⃣ Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) 🎧 ✔️ Provide earplugs or noise-canceling earmuffs to workers. ✔️ Ensure PPE fits properly and is used consistently in high-noise areas. Conclusion Industrial noise is a serious but manageable risk. By following the hierarchy of control measures, companies can minimize exposure, protect workers' health, and create a safer work environment. Prioritizing elimination and engineering solutions over reliance on PPE ensures long-term safety and compliance. 🔊 How does your workplace manage noise hazards? Share your thoughts below! 👇 #WorkplaceSafety #IndustrialNoise #HearingProtection #RiskManagement #NoiseControl #SafeWorkEnvironment

🔦 Importance of Lux Level Measurement in the Workplace! 💡 Did you know that adequate lighting plays a crucial role in creating a safe and productive work environment? Measuring lux levels helps ensure optimal lighting conditions, benefiting both employees and organizations. Here's why it matters: 1️⃣ Visual Comfort: Proper lux levels prevent eye strain, fatigue, and headaches, enhancing overall visual comfort. Brightness that's too low or high can negatively impact concentration and productivity. 2️⃣ Safety & Accident Prevention: Adequate lighting reduces the risk of accidents, such as slips, trips, and falls. It enhances visibility of potential hazards, emergency exits, and pathways, promoting a safe workplace. 3️⃣ Productivity & Performance: Well-lit spaces improve alertness, focus, and cognitive performance. Employees can better perform tasks with accuracy and efficiency, leading to higher productivity levels. 4️⃣ Mood & Well-being: Sufficient lighting positively affects mood and well-being, fostering a positive work environment. Natural light or lighting mimicking daylight can even boost morale and reduce stress. To ensure proper lighting levels, it's essential to follow industry standards. One commonly referenced standard is the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA) Recommended Practice for Lighting. Here's a general guideline for lux levels across different work areas: 🌟 Office Spaces: 300-500 lux 🌟 Meeting Rooms: 500-750 lux 🌟 Classrooms: 300-500 lux 🌟 Libraries: 300-500 lux 🌟 Retail Stores: 750-1500 lux 🌟 Warehouses: 150-300 lux 🌟 Manufacturing Areas: 300-500 lux 🌟 Hospitals: 500-1000 lux 🌟 Outdoor Spaces: Varies based on the specific area and activity. Appropriate lighting levels in the workplace promotes a conducive and efficient work environment. #LightingStandards #WorkplaceSafety #EmployeeWellbeing #ProductivityBoost

🏃♀️ How AI Is Reshaping My Work Cadence If you’re not familiar with it, heart rate zone training is a method endurance athletes use to structure their workouts across different intensity levels, balancing easy effort with targeted sprints to build capacity without burnout. I've been rethinking how I work in the age of AI using this same framework for knowledge work. 🔴 Zone 5: All Out Effort – Seven minutes of this kind of work (like sprinting a mile at race pace) requires every ounce of education, experience, and emotional intelligence I can command. No social media, no multitasking, no distractions—just full, intense presence to solve a problem. 🟠 Zone 4: Hard Effort – Deep, focused, emotionally intelligent work that demands sustained attention, where my brain is fully engaged but not at sprint capacity. Writing the Humans of AI newsletter falls squarely in this zone, with a little help from AI as a coach. 🟡 Zone 3: Focused Effort – Conversing with AI is like a five mile run with hills. Modest effort, but shifting gears quickly while maintaining a consistent heart rate. This builds the muscles to adjust to the terrain while maintaining momentum. 🟢 Zone 2: Easy Effort – Using AI agentically for deep research or complex workflows, requires a Zone 4-5 high-intensity warm-up, but then I fuel for the next push, staying present in an easy jog while my co-pilot does the heavy lift. 🔵 Zone 1: Very Easy Effort – Active recovery that looks like rest but is when I am thinking deeply, processing, and connecting ideas. This is system processing time where projects rent space in my working memory and hippocampus—valuable real estate that makes the next sprint possible. What's missing? The junk miles—the hours of performative meetings and busywork that look like progress but get us nowhere. As we enter the era of AI-augmented work, it's worth asking: How do we design our days, projects, and learning to align with these zones for real progress? 🩺 This will be the focus of the next Humans of AI newsletter. P.S. Happy Pride Month 🏳️🌈

Can you work in chaos? Sure. But will the output be the same? Definitely not. As an agency owner, every day brings a new challenge. The kind of work we do requires a highly active brain—creative ideas, constant brainstorming, and strategic thinking. It’s not routine; it’s a journey to grow the business 70% of the time, and 30% to keep it running. But let’s be real: this journey is far from easy. If the environment isn’t peaceful—mentally or physically—it becomes nearly impossible to perform at our best. Here’s what I’ve learned about the two types of peace we need to succeed: 1️⃣ Mind Peace A cluttered mind equals a cluttered output. To clear your mental space: - Start your day with a to-do list and set priorities. - Take short breaks between intense tasks to reset. - Practice mindfulness or meditation for 5 minutes daily to declutter your thoughts. - Consider therapy. Sometimes, talking to a professional can help you manage stress, gain clarity, and improve focus. 2️⃣ Environmental Peace A messy space—physically or digitally—leads to messy productivity. Here’s what helps: - Keep your workspace clean and organized. - Declutter your digital life: organize files, clear your inbox, and streamline your workflow. - If home distractions are unavoidable, head to a cafe or coworking space for focused work. - Limit unnecessary noise or interruptions while working on creative tasks. Since I’ve started implementing these changes, my productivity has skyrocketed. Clean space, clear mind—it’s a game changer. If you’ve been feeling stuck or overwhelmed, give this a try. Prioritizing both mind peace and environmental peace can unlock your best work yet. Let me know which of these resonates most with you! 😊

💡 Habits are hard to break but even harder to build. Ever noticed this? ·       Remove the H from Habit - A BIT remains. ·       Remove the A - BIT is there. ·       Remove the B - IT is still there. This clever play on words underscores a truth we all know: habits are sticky. But here’s the paradox: while bad habits cling, forming new, empowering ones, especially those that elevate our confidence requires deliberate effort. As it is difficult to form good habits, it is always a good idea to Tie the habit that you want to form to an existing one. 🎯 Coaching Story: From Overlooked to Promoted Ajith a senior manager in a tech firm approached me, frustrated after being passed over for promotion twice. Despite his technical prowess, he struggled with visibility and influence. We embarked on a journey to reshape his habits: ·       Morning Mindset Rituals: Starting each day with affirmations to reinforce self-belief. ·       Strategic Visibility: Regularly sharing insights during team meetings to establish thought leadership. ·       Active Listening: Practicing attentive listening to build stronger team connections. ·       Feedback Loops: Seeking and acting on feedback to continuously refine his approach. Over weeks, these consistent practices transformed his presence. He became more assertive, engaged, and influential. The result? He secured the promotion he rightfully deserved. 🔑 Takeaway Building new habits isn’t about grand gestures; it’s about consistent, intentional actions. As Charles Duhigg notes in The Power of Habit, understanding the cue-routine-reward loop is pivotal in habit formation. In coaching, we focus on small, sustainable changes that compound over time, leading to significant transformations. Ready to Enhance Your Confidence? If you’re aiming to enhance your confidence and leadership impact, consider the habits that shape your daily interactions. Let’s connect and explore how targeted habit coaching can propel your career forward. #Confidence #HabitFormation #LeadershipDevelopment

Here's the thing about boundaries at work: If you're treating your boss, your work bestie, and the barista at your local coffee shop exactly the same when it comes to boundaries, we need to talk! I see this ALL the time with my clients (and my friends) where people think boundary-setting is about being consistent across the board. But that's actually missing the point entirely. Your ability to adjust these settings based on who you're dealing with isn't being fake or wishy-washy. It's being relationally intelligent (and it's a skill that can make or break your personal and professional effectiveness). Here's what I keep seeing...Too many of us get stuck in the boundary extremes where we either build this massive wall around ourselves that keeps EVERYONE out, or we're basically an open book with zero filters for anyone who walks into our workspace. Neither approach works! Think of boundaries more like those privacy settings on your social media. You wouldn't give your mom and your CEO the same level of access, right? (Hi Nancy Erlanger Feller!!!) When you get good at calibrating your boundaries, people feel more comfortable around you because they know what to expect. You're not oversharing with someone who just wants to get work done, and you're not being unnecessarily cold with someone who values connection. Want to get better at this? Here's where to start: 1. Do a relationship audit: Look at your work relationships and ask yourself—what level of personal sharing actually makes sense here? Your lunch buddy probably gets different access than your skip-level manager. 2. Start with the gradient approach: Share the small stuff first (weekend plans, favorite coffee order) and see how it lands before diving into the deeper personal territory. 3. Check in with yourself regularly: Every few months, ask: "Are my boundaries still working for me and this relationship?" Sometimes what felt right six months ago needs an update. #boundaries #emotionalintelligence #leadership https://lnkd.in/eDSYwpVW

25 boundaries you must set at your work place: When I started working in the corporate, I thought I can be the best employee only if I am available 24/7. I still remember, leaving for office at 8:30 am and coming back next day at 8 pm for many occasions when we had something critical to deliver. 
Fast forward 15 years, I’ve realized that constant availability isn’t sustainable, or respected. Now, I focus on setting these 25 boundaries that protect my time, energy, and mental health: 1. No email before breakfast 2. No apologizing for saying no 3. No meetings without agendas 4. Calendar blocks for deep work 5. Consistently log off on time 6. Lunch away from laptop 7. Ask for deadline clarity 8. Pause before replying 9. Share updates on my terms 10. Delegate what’s not my responsibility 11. Mute notifications during focus 12. Buffer time between meetings 13. Mute group chats 14. No work weekends 15. Personal priorities on calendar 16. Convey when my hands are full 17. Ask for help sooner 18. Set expectations early 19. No last-minute calls unless urgent 20. Push back on bad timelines 21. End/leave meetings on time 22. No over-explaining 23. My calendar reflects my priorities 24. Protect creative time 25. Plan for the unexpected Yes, this took a long time, but it has changed how I work. These boundaries didn’t make me less committed. They made me more effective. And most importantly, they helped me show up better, for work and for myself. If you don’t set boundaries, consider this post a reminder. Your future self (and your career) will thank you for it. P.S. I run a free Discord community where I regularly share curated job leads. You can join it by filling this quick form: https://lnkd.in/duM3nmAG #boundaries #jobsearch #careergrowth