Headphones at Work - The Mark of the Individual Contributor...

Cheap observation from the workplace this week - Headphones are generally for individual contributors, and maybe even for those who want to remain individual contributors for the foreseeable future.

First up - I'm not anti-headphones or a member of the headphone Nazi party.  I get it - people can get into a groove with certain types of jobs (creative, transactional, etc.) with the vibe that music provides.  That's cool and I'm all for it.  I also get that headphones are often an attractive option for dealing with the noise intrusion that comes with living in a cube environment.

But here's the reality that goes along with headphones in the workplace:

1) Most managers I know don't use them.  Managers can't afford to not be aware of their surroundings and be approachable.  Managers take calls and walk-ins from other managers, external partners and their superiors who put them in the job in the first place.  More importantly, managers are expected to be available for the teams they lead.  Nothing says, "I'm not approachable" more than a manager wearing headphones. 

Well, maybe a closed door all the time says that to a greater extent.  But you get my point.

2) Employees who want to be upwardly mobile into the manager ranks typically don't take a lot of headphone time.  The type of employee who migrates into a managerial role is naturally available.  They thrive on the walk-in traffic and a service orientation to those who approach them.  For that reason, they usually don't wear headphones a lot.  The resulting service and approachability contribute to the organizational logic that they're good candidates to manage people.

So, if you are wearing headphones and are productive - ROCK ON.   It's all good and whatever makes you productive is a good thing.

Just be aware of what that says about your desire to lead teams if you have them on for 5-6 hours a day....

I'm just sayin'.....

Comments

[henry albrecht]

everyone is an individual contributor sometimes. even CEOs (my current gig) need time to shut out the noise and focus on a tough financial model, find a moment of zen (or heavy metal), or send a message to others that you still, er, individually contribute. lighten up and find your flow.

[Chad A. Hanson]

Head phone policies stifle innovation and send the wrong cultural signal. I think there are folks out there who really think that ee's are having too much fun when they listen to music at work.

The potential for learning iPods present far outweights the perceived loss of productivity. Or at least I think.