Admit it.
Standing in an executive’s office immediately gives you a distinct feeling. It is almost like being detached from the other areas of the office, and overcoming with a feeling of unmistakable authority and resounding charm – in equal measure.
Though the setup of an executive’s cabin is generally kept sleek and efficient, it feels grand in more ways than one. So one might wonder what science goes behind developing these compelling cabins with such unassuming details.
It’s not all that difficult to unravel the secret, or rather the success, of an impressive CEO’s cabin. Here are the main tenets of conceptualising an office of authority that embodies command, confidence, and professionalism.
DECOR
More than the minimalism, it is the positioning of the furniture that matters here. A CEO’s desk should appear as a command center (minus the frills), and should never be pushed against a wall. While a desk alongside wall exhibits dependence, a centrally positioned desk facing directly the cabin door symbolizes control and free will. Psychologically, the door represents a gateway to exclusivity. Opening it should directly seize the audience with the imposing sight of the leader.
FUNCTION
Understand that a CEO’s cabin serves multiple purposes; from a meeting room, to interview room, to welcoming clients and also as a personal workspace. Hence efforts should be made to have a medley of the most, if not all. Small round tables with chairs around are known to open up conversations. Or a wall parked with comfortable couches will do just as good. Sofas sub-consciously lighten the mood which can be leveraged during personal/difficult conversations.
SPACE
This might be a tad difficult to attain, however, a CEO’s office should be as spacious as possible. The amount of space is directly proportional to the office holder’s clout and is known to have a conducive impact on potential business partners, clients and subordinates. Special consideration should be given to reserve some area as CEO’s personal space. A cosy corner dotted with plants or a small rack with their favourite books...can be some of the ideas.
BRANDING
While great care is taken to reflect professionalism in the other working areas of the office, subtle integrations are required in the boss’ cabin, too. Not as much from the efficiency standpoint but from the company’s culture point of view. This is also the opportunity to exhibit company’s mission and vision. For example, if Simplicity is one of the values, a monochromatic colour scheme would work wonders. On the contrary, Vibrancy can be best shown with multi-colour scheme with minimal patterns.
PERSONAL TOUCH
This is perhaps the least prioritised item in the plan. In needs to be borne in mind that the cabin is not just an extension of the office, it’s also the extension of the CEO. And hence efforts should be made to personalise the working area. A pin-up corner for them to make a collage of pictures is a nice touch. As a hallmark of their success, another corner can be devoted to personal accomplishments like certifications and trophies.
In light of the above, an executive should have a major say in developing the cabin. And now with the advent of cognitive design solutions, it’s easier for the stakeholders of that stature to directly interact with the design consultants. Modern workspaces are changing fast, and hence behaviour-based planning is all the more relevant for an all-rounded approach and a fulfilling work environment.
That said, what’s more powerful than having someone walk in for an interaction, and the tone being set right for it through the sheer influence of the visual cues.
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· Should cater to ceo, coo, cfo, cio, md (the top brass power)
· Select the most important trait the boss wants to portray (trust, authority/leadership)
· Symbolism like books on the topic, statues
· Table size placement
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