by Feature08

Created on: August 19, 2008

Navigating the maze of cubicles that is Corporate America requires not just the physical agility to maneuver among the awkwardly positioned stalls, but the mental agility to avoid the people traps and creating ones of your own. Whether you are a novice or a seasoned professional in need of a refresher, the following are 10 things you should know and attempt to avoid when working in the cubicle world.

There is no such thing as privacy. The partition walls might as well be invisible and the desk a stage. Anything you say can be heard and used against you.

Protect your privacy. Avoid making personal calls, discussing anything personal or leaving any personal items on your desk. Which topics can you discuss then? News and current events, but not your real opinion on hot topics. Weather, but not how it might affect your work schedule. Sports and Entertainment, but don't condemn or praise anyone too much.

This advice is especially important when the following points are taken into consideration.

Your neighbor is not your friend. While you may get lulled into constant conversation with the person the cubicle over, don't share too much. These relationships form and dissipate as you are shuffled through the complicated maze.

Don't attempt to be your neighbor's friend. Unless you really know your cube mate outside of work, don't rush to brand a person as trustworthy simply because you share a few laughs.

Small events are often exaggerated for dramatic effect. Especially in the workplace, it is apparently difficult to differentiate between the frequencies of once, occasionally, sometimes and always. Assumptions are made with very little evidence or communications to support a claim, yet assumptions are made.

Be yourself. Perception is not something that can be influenced. Relax and realize that not everyone believes everything they hear.

"It's my cubicle". How often have we witnessed tantrums thrown over some object being pushed one tenth of an inch from its original location, or the alarm of the anal main cubicle occupant going off because someone dared to sit at "their desk?"

"It's not your cubicle." While it is easy to become possessive of the desk you sit at every day, there is no rule stipulating that it is yours and yours alone, and there probably never will be. For arguments sake, agree that its not and keep items that are important to you out harm's way.

Inferior Design. Whatever the logic behind deciding what to display on one's desk, some items are just too hard to reconcile. Grayed out and yellow pictures of you and your siblings as kids, even though you're pushing 60? A constant physical reminder of your young niece's tragic death in a prominently displayed obituary from the 1990's?

Less is more. Unless you don't mind being perceived as overly sentimental or as a needy depressive, consider the reasons behind the objects you choose to display. For the sake of good taste and consideration of others, ask yourself, "is this something I need or want to see every day?" If not, you can guarantee your colleagues don't either.

Stick with office essentials, a few family pictures that won't lead to a breakdown if misplaced, other small unique trinkets and maybe an occasional plant.

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