Page 210 - Talane Miedaner - Coach Yourself to a New Career_ 7 Steps to Reinventing Your Professional Life (2010)

198 COACH YOURSELF TO A NEW CAREER

in. If you have a cubicle, the same principles apply. If you can’t
have your desk face the cubicle entrance, then try to make sure
you can work from the side, so you can see who is coming. If this is
impossible, then hang a small mirror or something else reflective so
you can see who is approaching behind you. Do this at your home
office as well as at work.
→ Put your bookshelves (ideally wooden) behind your desk
to either side of your chair so that you are flanked on both
sides by books. This arrangement lends authority and respect
automatically. You may think it’s foolish, as I did at first, but the
effects of feng shui are both subtle and powerful. I wish I had
known about this tip when I was pitching my first book, Coach
Yourself to Success, to a big New York publisher. I was the second
person to walk into a conference room that had a large round table
in the middle, and I was offered first choice of chairs. There was a
wall of bookcases on one side and a wall of glass on the other side.
Instinctively, I didn’t take a seat with my back to the door, mainly
because that would have been awkward as more people entered
the room. After a moment’s indecision, I sat with my back to the
window, which overlooked Manhattan. Although I gave a dynamite
pitch to the publishing team and felt entirely positive about it, when
my agent called me, she said they liked the coaching concept but
didn’t think I had enough authority and credibility. I’ll wager that if
I had sat with my back against the wall of books, which would have
lent some authority, I would have sealed the deal. These subtle
touches can make the difference between getting a job and not
getting one.
→ Right behind your chair, hang a beautiful picture or piece of
artwork. This image may be something you find beautiful, inspiring,
or peaceful. It will welcome you to the office every time you enter,
and it will also bring an element of your personal taste and style
to the work setting. Make sure it is a piece of art that would garner
respect if you would like to win respect. The picture will reflect on
you, so be certain it is making the statement you want.
→ The main entry to your home is usually associated with your
career. Do you use the main door of your residence, or do you