Southern Vermont College

They say that if you want to understand someone fully, look at what is on their desk   or their nightstand.  The point is simple enough:  we surround ourselves (whether by design or accident) with things that speak to who we are and what matters to us.

For the record, I have never believed in a clean desk.  Clutter matters.  It personalizes the work environment.  A desk that is too clean always suggests to me someone who was not working on multiple complex projects.  Creativity is neither clean nor linear.  Not everything fits in a file folder.  (OK, perhaps I am a wee bit defensive here, given the state of my desk.)

I once worked for someone who demanded a clean desk as part of the job requirements, and when he came into my office to demand that I clean my desk before he returned from a business trip, I knew I was in trouble. This was not a working match made in heaven.  And never once as a leader have I ever mentioned to someone that their desk is too cluttered.  Indeed, I like professors’ offices – where desks are usually filled with piles and piles of paper.

Here’s a photo of my desk at SVC…

The books on the front of the desk did not begin as a lending library.  It all started because I had too many books when I arrived at Southern Vermont College and I lacked sufficient bookshelves in my office. (Maybe people think presidents don’t want or need books.  Beats me.) But, shortly  after my arrival, people started coming into my office and perusing the stacks of books.  Then, people asked to borrow the books. Then, I started offering books from the desk stacks if topics came up that were addressed by some of the books.

The books cover a range of topics – there are books related to education and leadership. There are some books on creativity. There are books that I have referenced in speeches or articles, usually fiction. There are books related to things I am thinking about at a particular moment. There are books from speakers on our campus – past speakers and prospective speakers.  There are books related to consumer finance (my academic field.) There are books that others have recommended and when a book is especially important to me, I usually have more than one copy.

Since I rarely sit behind my desk (I am usually in comfy chairs or a table), I, too, can look at the books on my “desk-library” and be reminded or inspired as I meet with the many constituencies who visit our campus.  And, in quieter moments, I can pick up a book and reflect on its contents.

So, consider this an invitation.  If you are on the Southern Vermont College campus, come peruse my “desk-library” and help yourself to something you find interesting.  I look forward to seeing you.