“Workplace closed for renovations.”
For somebody who really enjoys coming to the workplace (Sure, even on Fridays!), this might have been my villain origin story. However as an alternative, I made a decision to show this problem right into a secret mission throughout Germany. As a substitute of my normal position of Collaboration Account Govt, the place I specialise in buyer engagement and reside demonstrations of our world-class collaboration options, I went “undercover” at Cisco buyer and associate areas, and some coworking areas in between.
My instruments: one Cisco Desk Mini, — a compact, transportable video conferencing system, good for private use — a laptop computer, after all, and a optimistic perspective. My mission: survive two months with no everlasting desk. My benefit: Cisco’s flexibility in working wherever my tech can take me.
Mission Log: The Nice Workplace Hunt
Day 1: Discover the proper non permanent workspace. Little did I do know this is able to flip right into a journey by a few of the coolest workplaces in Germany. Like several good operative, I wanted to mix in at every location. Although as you’ll see, some makes an attempt have been extra profitable than others.
First goal: A coworking house in Düsseldorf. The fashionable self-check-in system made me really feel like I used to be coming into a secret base. The one problem: The espresso machine interrogation. Nothing blows your cowl quicker than standing in entrance of a espresso maker confused whereas a line types behind you. My specialised coaching hadn’t ready me for a machine with extra buttons than my laptop computer.
Subsequent cease: ACP IT Options in Cologne. My cowl story? Quickly borrowing the CEO’s superb desk setup, full along with his Cisco DeskPro in hotdesking mode. Every little thing went completely till I met the workplace’s actual boss: Max, the workplace canine. It seems you’ll be able to’t idiot a canine with a pretend “I work right here” perspective. Fortunately, I had a secret weapon: treats in my pocket.
The DHL facility felt like entering into the long run. Watching the robots and conveyor belts transferring packages round was like I had time travelled. I attempted to look skilled whereas packages whizzed round me, however actually, I used to be simply amazed by all of the transferring elements and precision of the automated sorting programs. With entry to their state-of-the-art Cisco convention rooms, I spotted I may have traveled lighter myself. I used to be even tempted to put an order on my favorite purchasing platform simply to see if I may observe my package deal in real-time.
At Logicalis Cologne, my first mission was merely to seek out the constructing within the thick fog. Second mission: becoming a member of the good fire debate of 2024. I spent a full quarter-hour attempting to determine if it was actual or not — and I’m nonetheless not satisfied both means. Some mysteries are supposed to stay unsolved! After these two challenges, it was simply Cisco tech doing its factor, displaying how fashionable workplaces ought to work.
The Berlin chapter examined all my abilities. My contact’s extraction plan (undercover speak for “choosing me up”) concerned an sudden twist: an e-scooter experience by rush hour site visitors. Image this: me, attempting to look unfazed whereas holding a laptop computer bag and suitcase, whereas desperately clinging to the scooter. Mission Unbelievable? Extra like Mission Terrifying!
Remaining vacation spot: system.de in Charlottenburg. Right here, I found their prized possession — the legendary Cisco Hammer. It’s not precisely the high-tech gear I anticipated, however spectacular nonetheless because it’s an emblem of us crushing our competitors!
Mission Debriefing: Intel Gathered
After two months of this covert mission, I realized some beneficial classes:
- Each workplace has its personal particular tradition
- The most effective workplace tech isn’t at all times the latest gadget
- Generally, the most effective work conversations aren’t about work in any respect
- By no means underestimate the facility of being good to the workplace canine
Again at our newly renovated workplace, I can’t assist however smile in any respect these adventures. Certain, the renovation pressured me out, however it led to a few of the finest work experiences I’ve had. Seeing Cisco’s know-how in motion throughout Germany jogged my memory of our firm’s wide-reaching influence and the way it empowers companies and staff alike. I skilled the working world by totally different views and made new contacts — a transparent benefit for my subsequent mission. 
*Now accepting purposes for future workplace adventures.
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