If you are stuck on the same rung on the corporate ladder, struggling to come up with fresh ideas, or just wish you could accomplish more in your busy schedule, it may be time to focus on the design of your office.

The ancient Chinese art of Feng Shui is utilized by businesses all over the world in order to increase creativity, productivity, and prosperity. By implementing some basic Feng Shui strategies, you could experience a dramatic change in your career or business.

The goal of Feng Shui is to allow the flow of chi (ch’i) energy in an environment, in order to improve the lives of those who live or work in the space. This is achieved in part through proper placement of furniture and objects.

While you would certainly benefit from a professional, in-depth evaluation of your workspace, there are few universal techniques you can implement quickly to achieve immediate results.

Make Room for the Chi

The center of your office should be open to allow the chi to flow easily within the space. Spend a few minutes removing unnecessary items, clutter, and even furniture pieces that do not allow you – and the chi – to move freely.

Get Command of the Space

The placement of your desk is a key factor in your success. Desks should always be placed furthest from the entrance with your back to the wall, enabling you to clearly see all entrances to the space. This is known as the command position.

Leaving your back to the door leaves you feeling vulnerable, and blocks the flow of chi into the room. Think of chi as business opportunities, creative ideas, praise and payments. Would you want to block all of this from entering your office?

Everything in its Proper Place

The simplest and fastest method for determining furniture and object placement is the Black Hat Sect of Feng Shui, which orients everything from the door.  Standing at your door facing into the space, place the items in your office in the following positions:

• Library or Reference Materials: Move to the knowledge sector, directly to the left of your door.
• Computer: If you use your computer to generate income, place it in the wealth section, in the back left of the room. If you use your computer for creative endeavors, place your computer on the right side of the room, towards the middle.
• Awards and Diplomas: Place them in the fame sector, which is directly opposite the door.

There are many elements to successful Feng Shui, such as color and incorporating natural elements such as water and plants into the space. Even your birth date influences proper placement and office décor.

For now, implement the simple changes outlined above, and make note of what happens. You will be amazed at how simple Feng Shui strategies can change your attitude toward work, improve your career or business, and lead to notoriety and prosperity.

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Submitted 3-20/2008 - article written by Annie Flint