This is always a funny question to me as a serial entrepreneur whose main business partner is my husband. We've been in business together for over a decade, starting various companies, selling them off or continuing to run them in a reduced capacity as time has gone on. This, naturally, means we get to spend a lot of time together both at home and in a work context. This, in my opinion, makes the family dynamic even more important so keeping a picture of my husband and child on my desk is a good reminder of that in the more hectic days you run into.
I have a picture of Kurt Vonnegut on my desk. He was an American author and humorist known for his intriguingly satirical perspective. He is most notably known for writing Slaughterhouse-Five (1969) (and also my favorite novel of his), Cat's Cradle (1963) and Breakfast of Champions(1973). The reason I keep this picture of him typing away at his typewriter is to remind myself that I have to "put in the work." I mean this both for my day to day digital marketing role and for my night-time creative writing sessions. Oh and I have a picture of my dog on my desk as well. Because I love him.
I've always had a very strict rule that when I close my laptop for the day, it stays closed and it becomes family time. I don't check email, I don't go back in to the office - work time is work time and family time is family time. That said, having a reminder on my desk to hurry and be done for the day so that work time can transition to family time is very much appreciated.
My desk is home to a picture of my beloved cat, Mouse. My family got Mouse shortly after I graduated college and moved away from home, so in many ways she has become an important reminder of my connection to my family and our unconditional love for each other. She is always there, even when the miles between us widen. Looking at her photo brings a warm feeling to my heart and gives me the motivation I need to work hard despite any obstacles that come my way. My cat reminds me that nothing can separate me from the people and things I love.
Having been a huge fan of Sarah Brightman for 20+ years, I keep a picture of her on the bulletin board above my desk. Aside from the fact that her music heals, soothes, and inspires, she is also the entrepreneurial example I aim to follow. She is unapologetically herself and has been intentional about her brand and career. She inspires me to do the same and be fearless about following my dreams.
Facialteam has over 50 staff now, many with a dedicated workspace which tends to collect some personal items over time! This is great as each of us makes the time spent in the office feel a little more like home, although some do indeed enjoy work-at-home flexibility too. So mainly, we have pictures of ourselves, family or moments when the team got together to have a good time. Why? It's nice to remember how we felt the moment those images were taken. They present an opportunity to have more human conversations about our personal lives with colleagues. To reminisce of years past, of parenthood or the experiences you want to relive every chance possible. The directors have artistic renditions that were made specially for them as a gift. Not everyone has a picture on their desk and that's ok too!
On my desk, there is a photo of my entire family. A family portrait brightens my usually hectic workday by serving as a daily reminder of the folks I cherish and care about. My desk is made more homey and comfortable by the presence of a family portrait. Photos of my family inspire and motivate me to put in a lot of effort and support my family. I get nostalgic and have happy memories of my past when I look at family photos. I take satisfaction in showing off pictures of my family, especially if we are a close-knit one or we are proud of our heritage.