One of the disadvantages of working in a space like Gangplank is that with so many people coming in and out there is a certain amount of human generated debris that gets left unattended. The worst of it is the food and dishes that start to create a wonderful smell for us to enjoy. I’m not the only one who notices this phenomenon but it got me thinking.
If we all know that things smell, how come it continues to smell without someone making it better?
There are a few people who do clean up regularly after others to try to make things better, but not at the same pace that things are messed up. And certainly it does start to wear on you to be constantly nursing things back to a decent state.
So what do you do? when there are dozens of people making a mess and a small number cleaning it up? Can you do anything? Isn’t this how life really is in most aspects? A number of people making problems (not always intentionally – sometimes they think they are helping clean up) and a smaller number actively trying to make things better. Which are you and what are you doing to help make things smell better?
Take the people who are making things smell out back and hose them off. I know this might not help with the actual problem immediately, although there are a few programmer types it might, it may get the point across.
Or, as in life, you develop a workable system with the people who care and move on with it. Not every battle was meant to be fought or won.
I was waiting for you to extend it even further to business! :-) You have me spoiled! I’ve been in client situations where things started to smell, and things could have been cleaned up pretty easily if the folks who first noticed the smell actually took action! Instead, it oftentimes requires an industrial cleansing because folks wait till things really stink and the big dogs jump in. I’ve been in one particular programming environment where the “dish” we were creating was cooking big time and when it started burning, no one wanted to jump in and pull it out of the fire. The whole “dish” ended up being thrown away and the relationship stank for years. I’ve found that those that are meticulous in caring about the little things you talk about tend to be very meticulous at caring about the big things as well. I want someone that constantly cleans out the fridge on my team all the time.
Way to really hit my point – I should have spent more time getting it out but this really was better than I’d have come up with.
Stan – I agree with you completely. And to second Conrey’s sentiment, well said.
Though, I think we have to cautious about confusing meticulous with thorough. To keep with the cooking metaphor, I’ve seen far too many people who spend all their time doing the dishes, sorting the spices, buying ingredients and prepping the pans. In the end they are exceedingly prepared but never get any actual cooking done. The key is to be detail oriented throughout the process while keeping the momentum moving in the right direction.
-R
To be honest, if my bachelor pad doesn’t have clothes on the floor it probably means I’m not getting anything important done. In some ways it’s good news that few people have time to think about such things. Now there’s definitely a balance, but GP people seem pretty good about putting their plate in the trash. There aren’t weeks-old trash bags sitting around.
With this in mind, maybe there should be a sign that says “when the can’s full, take the bag out back!” or “put dishes directly in the washer!” That would give someone like me ownership and direction, as I have no clue if GP hires a janitor or where the dumpster is, but I am happy to do my part. Besides, who can complain when it’s free space and free pizza/soda?