DON'T LET THAT TINY OFFICE PUT YOU IN A BOX.

Byline: Ken Lloyd On The Job

Q. I am in middle management, and my office is small and cramped. Much of my work involves dealing with the public, and when people come to my office, I am embarrassed. Is it worth talking to my manager about this?

A. If the main problem with the size of your office is that you are embarrassed to work in such a tiny area, you will end up being even more embarrassed by bringing this up with your manager. The discussion will inevitably lead to the point that you should be spending more time thinking about your work and less time thinking about your work environment.

The only reason to approach your manager regarding a matter of this size is if your office is actually interfering with your productivity. For example, if people who visit you can hardly sit down, if there is no room to spread out important papers, or if people are getting injured by trying to angle themselves in and out of your office, then there is a legitimate reason to discuss this issue with your manager.

If there is nothing that either can or should be done with your office, it will be particularly important to remember that the most memorable part of your office is you. If you are embarrassed by the size of your office, your embarrassment is probably being noticed by those who visit you. However, your expertise, competence and geniality can more than compensate for an office that doubles as a phone booth.

Q. One of my employees has been trying to convince me to implement a motivational program that apparently was very successful at a firm similar to ours. I have told him I do not like the program, but he keeps trying to persuade me. I don't want to be authoritarian, so what do you suggest I do?

- G.G.

A. It is a good sign that one of your employees is motivated to look for ways to improve the company, although it does not sound like he needs much of a motivational program. His actions point to a good deal of loyalty, commitment and involvement.

Since telling him you are not interested in the program has not stopped him, here are some other facts that might. In the first place, just because a program was successful at another company does not mean it will have a similar outcome at yours.

In addition, although there was a positive motivational impact after the program was conducted, this does not mean the program actually caused it. Perhaps there was a pay increase, a change in management or any other number of changes. The improved motivation was correlated with the program, but was not necessarily caused by it.

And, what is improved motivation anyhow? These programs need to be set up scientifically and measured against specific standards.

If you are actually looking for this type of program, there are numerous professional firms that can give you all the information you need to make the right decision for your company. And you should consider including this employee in the decision-making process.

Q. I have been doing excellent work, but my manager just gave me all fours on a five-point scale. When I asked why, he said, ``No one's perfect.'' I don't think that's fair. What should I do?

A. When it comes to understanding the role of feedback, your manager gets a minus 10 on your five-point scale. Although technically no one is perfect, there can certainly be perfect behavior. After all, if you get 10 out of 10 correct on a test, it's a perfect score.

The first step is to ask your manager if there are any actions you can take to earn a five. Try to establish some measurable goals with him, along with the expectation that you will receive a five if you meet them.

In addition, many evaluation forms provide the employee with the opportunity to write some comments. This is not the time for a flaming tirade against your manager, but rather a chance to describe your specific achievements and the extent to which you met or even exceeded departmental standards and objectives. This should be written in positive and constructive terms.

If you are concerned that your evaluation may work against you when an opportunity for promotion arises, remember that your manager is probably well-known as a tough grader. The fact that you earned all fours may be regarded as a perfectly acceptable accomplishment.