Making a better space for work

A. John WallaceDirector of Cityspace Group Ltd, Glasgow-based office and workspace designers What is work?

Work gives dignity. It is the opportunity to channel one's skills and energies to profitable effect. It gets you out of bed on a Monday morning.

What was your first job?

An apprentice joiner with a Greenock building contractor.

What is your greatest difficulty at work?

Getting the Cityspace name known in Scotland. It is already an international organisation, but very new to the Scottish economy.

What do you excel at in work?

Either by luck or good judgement, the ability to bring together the right people at the right time.

How do you stay motivated? The enjoyment of doing business, creating wealth and employment, with the background knowledge that if one fails in these respects, I will not be around for long.

Is goal-setting important?

Yes. Attaining them is better!

Are you a workaholic?

Probably not. I am fairly relaxed about working hours. I always put in the time and effort necessary to finish a task, and expect the same of others.

Do you perform well under pressure?

What is pressure? One man's pressure is another man's working week.

Do you have a secretary/ PA?

I am fortunate in having a very able colleague, who is an indispensable part of our team.

Are you a good boss/ employee?

I am sure my colleagues' perspective will be different from mine. As I come from a trade background, I am very aware of the importance of being able to communicate fairly with all personnel in one's own organisation. After all it's our people who enable us to give quality service to our clients.

Do you email and surf the internet?

Absolutely. Email is very useful, particularly when someone appears to be constantly on the phone. Contact us at john.wallace@cityspace-group.com.

What are your favourite working clothes/working place?

Anything but a suit! My favourite working place is a restaurant. My most profitable meetings have been in good restaurants.

What single change would you make to your working life?

My environment! Cityspace are experts in working environments, and have recently moved into existing office space, which is about to be converted into a flexible, user friendly environment.

Have you ever been sacked? No!

Do you think talent gets to the top in Scotland?

In most cases, yes. Someone who is determined enough will always make the grade, even in adverse economic conditions. I think as a nation however, we could benefit by taking on board positive attitudes from other cultures, especially those we have had a hand in shaping.

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