I can’t say I agree with what Yahoo’s CEO did. On the one hand we’re told that being able to define one’s own workspace makes them more productive. On the other Yahoo is in trouble so maybe an order from on-high was the way to go. It reminds me, a little, of the military: a higher-up barks and order and it gets executed. Neither are environments where positive communication our likely outcomes.

I like the idea of describing what I do so others around me are aware of what’s going on. I know I like hearing what others are doing. The thing is that for this sort of collaboration to happen is there has to be someone nearby. I think it gets down to a cubicle vs. walls thing. Social media, company blogs for example, are a way to go. But the culture of the organization and its leadership determines if they are available. In my organization they’re not unfortunately.