Body Language: Your Reception Area
I enjoy company receptions. They reveal so much about a company. It's body language for companies. When you learn how to read a company's body language, and whole range of insights are available.
Company receptions in particular are now very revealing. In the good ole days, companies used to employ a receptionist to sit at the front desk, welcome visitors and answer the phones. No longer. That is a tough change for customers who now have to battle with voicemail, door bells and automated attendants. It's wonderful for someone like me who finds organisations fascinating. No longer can companies hide behind the polite and well trained receptionist, the duties of reception have been passed to one and all.
What would your reception area tell me about your company?
Would the company be easy to find and well sign posted or would it be hidden and difficult to find?
Would I even be able to get in the door or would I be left outside ringing a bell and waiting?
Would I be welcomed and would someone attend to my request or would I be ignored?
Would I see people moving in and out of reception with energy and purpose or would I see lethergy, glum faces and staff dragging their feet?
While I was waiting would people notice a stranger and ask to help or would they just keep walking?
While waiting, would I hear an office full of energy and achievement or would I hear a graveyard?
Would I find a waiting room full of yesterday's newspapers and free magazines or would I find current and relevant reading material that gave me the impression people here are well informed?
So what would your reception area tell me about your company?
