You are just starting to work with an architect on designs for a new office space for your fast-growing tech startup. She proposes a design that does away with private offices, includes two or three personal cubicles with flexible dividers, and provides lots of flexible open spaces for casual and arranged meetings. She also proposes a shift to “hotdesking” for the sales representatives because they spend a lot of time away from the office. This means that they will not have permanent space and will instead “sign up” to use temporary cubicle desks when they come into the office. You really like the total design concept because it supports collaboration and teamwork while also saving space and facilities costs as the firm grows. But, you’re worried about possible resistance from employees who are used to having private offices and their own desks. You sit down to write a list of “pros” and “cons” for the architect’s proposal. You also make some notes on how to engage the staff with these ideas in order to head off any problems.

Questions

What’s on your list and what’s in your notes? What kind of change leadership approach do you think will be most likely to work with this group and situation?