If you’re new to managing an office environment, you may feel a bit intimidated by the added responsibilities.  Keeping an office running smoothly takes effort, and you have to seek out the most effective knowledge in your position to fully master the role.  

Start your research today, and learn a few things about keeping an office together.  Here is a short summary of a few helpful tips for managing an office when you’re a fresh developing professional.

Learn everything you can about people

Working as the head of an office team means that you’ll encounter your fair share of human situations.  It helps to better understand the kaleidoscope of personalities you may encounter, and research some of the best ways to work together when personalities don’t necessarily mesh.  

The social aspects involved in maintaining a copacetic office environment are important, and you cannot overlook them.  Don’t make the mistake of thinking you’re a “people” person, so you’ll be just fine. Apply effort to learning people.

Keep the office clean and organized

It’s easier to maintain a well-oiled machine of an office when you keep the space clean and organized.  If you don’t already have a designated individual for picking up around the office, hire a professional cleaning service to come in regularly and clean the area.  

It is scientifically proven that people work more efficiently, and are generally happier, in a well-organized, clean environment.  It’s worth the investment in paid labor to keep your office tidy.

You also might like to consider whether to apply this theory to an office dress code, check out what the Get Shave Advice team had to say about whether a clean-shaven office is really more productive.

Set the example with your work ethic

If you expect your employees to work long days, then you should be sitting right beside them.  Work late hours alongside your staff, and you will earn their respect much quicker. People follow a leader who is not afraid to get their hands dirty.  

Whatever you do in the office, make sure you do it thoroughly and by the book.  People will be watching your every move, and rule breaking is contagious. The discourse will trickle down, and your office environment will suffer.  

Listen to input from other professionals

Listening is another vital skill for success in managing an office of professionals.  The people with whom you work are there for a reason.

They are not idiots, and different eyes bring a different perspective on any situation.  Find a way to effectively create a safe environment for the professionals in your office to share their thoughts and ideas.  

Don’t be afraid to be stern

As the leader, you will have to know when to put your proverbial foot down.  You can’t always be the “nice guy,” or people will find ways to skirt around their responsibilities.  Understand that as a leader you will have to hire and fire. The good and the bad both come along with the job.