|
How Good am I at Problem Solving?
The ability to problem solve is a necessity for an Interior Designer. As an Interior Designer, you will encounter glitches, and it is a must that you can deal with them. Many times, these glitches will need to be solved on the spot.
Your organizational skills will come in handy when you need to solve a problem as well. An organized workplace will help you to have an organized mind. Thoughts have a way of being cluttered when your work space is likewise.
Being able think quickly and under pressure is a definite asset to problem solving. Your problem is not going to get easier if it takes you too long to come up with a solution for it. Actually, waiting can just give the universe more time to make the problem get bigger.
Can I Multitask?
Most jobs require a good ability to multitask. None of these jobs requires it as much as Interior Design does. The reason for this is because Interior Designers are often doing more than one thing at a time. You can be giving instructions to your contractors, working with your assistant on the fabrics, all while explaining it your client. This can cause a little bit of stress, but if you are good at multitasking, it is not so bad.
If you are not particular good at multitasking, you need not worry. Some people have just never been put to the test as far as that’s concerned. You may have had a relaxed job setting, or you may have worked on an assembly line for a few years. Many jobs require you to do regular tasks. They can be quite monotonous. If this sounds like you, I will list a few tips on how to help you learn to multitask.
Tips for Multitasking
1. Using computers can be a great way to save time and get many things done at the same time. Windows programs allow you to use more than one program at a time. Get familiar with it.
2. Review the tasks ahead of you before hand, and work on one item at a time. It helps you to prioritize your day. Focus on the most important tasks first, and the less important later.
3. Use your down time to prepare for the next day. This will help you to be more organized at the start of your day, so that you can keep your tasks at a comfortable level, and minimize stress.
4. Having constant access to your employees and clients is invaluable. Cell phones are a must for the successful multitasker. It keeps you in touch with everyone you need to talk to during the course of your day. (remember to start each day with a fully charged battery)
5. The ability to keep calm is a must. Practice relaxation techniques as often as possible. Some of these include deep breathing, warm soaks in the tub, and reading. If you already have great techniques, use them.
Am I personable?
The ability to meet and associate yourself with people is a good and necessary skill when seeking to be an interior designer. Much of your job will require you to meet and convince people that you are the best person to design their space. A friendly, outgoing, and professional attitude is the easiest way to accomplish that.
You must be able to speak to people at their level. Speaking above them is going to confuse your client; while speaking below them is insulting.
You must be able to read people in order to properly assess how to deal with them. This is a quality that you cannot afford to be without. Much of your job as a designer is negotiation, and knowing how read other people is the key to success in this area.
People have to feel at ease when they talk to you. You should always try to exude warmth and intelligence when speaking to your clients and possible clients.
Since you are to be aware of what other people’s body language says about them, know that they are looking for the same thing when they are speaking to you. Be aware of all of your facial expressions and hand gestures.
Can I Be Versatile?
The ability to be versatile and change with the times is a definite must. As Interior Designers are expected to be ahead of the pack when it comes to the newest trends and fads, your ability to change your current way of thinking will be critical to your success.
Most people hire Interior Designers so that they can keep up and stay modern. If the designer is only capable of sticking to the basics and originals, it will be a disastrous career as a designer.
Of course, that is not the only reason why versatility is a necessity. Clients sometimes change their minds about what they want. It’s annoying, but it happens. You have to be able to change with them. Your ability to give the client what they are looking for can be the difference between your being on top of the field, and your finding yourself unemployed.
|