My boss's girlfriend just came up to me and gave me a heads up that my boss would throw a strop about some bags of clothes being left in reception to be picked up tomorrow, with the classic gem of "you can see how it looks untidy, can't you?"
No, I can't. I walk in and I see an office block that's a hub of activity and facilitates it's tenants. A place for meetings where staff are happy to help with requests, or an office where you don't have to fight with the landlords (because that's ultimately what we are) to get small concessions. A place that cares more about improving the community (which as a social enterprise is our purpose) than minor appearances. I'd probably think it was untidy if it was in the way for days on end, but the bags are gonna be back against the wall, behind the reception desk, for less than 12 hours.
What is it with people valuing things being out of sight? There's a pragmatic element to general neatness, making it easier to clean, getting hazards out of the way, and looking nicer, but I don't understand people throwing a fit because things are temporary less neat.
Anyway I moved the bags all of 5 metres into a meeting room next to reception. See if he whines about them making a mess of a room that isn't being used until the middle of next week.
Can't speak on your boss, but I'm starting to notice the way neatness is understood by myself and my peers.
I've seen two so far: Practical neatness d aesthetic neatness.
Practical neatness is making a space comfortable and navigable for the people living in the space. This is like taking off your shoes in the same corner of a room or area every day. It seems more intuitive in presentation.
Aesthetic neatness is more about presenting the image of neatness to others. This to me, is like having a explicitly designated spot for shoes in a room and making sure they stand upright and positioned properly. This version is less forgiving more prone to particular preferences.