When you begin a new job there is a game plan that you have better figured out for yourself. The name of the game is “Play It by Ear.” On one hand, it is always exciting to start from a clean slate – no preconceptions to beat. You are expected to fill in somebody else’s shoes, you would be lucky if those are small ones! Even then, you are there to beat those expectations and to build your own role within the team. Utilize your so-called honeymoon period productively. Nobody expects of you to be a star right off the bet. Whatever skill or knowledge you feel you are lacking, now is the time to fill that void! Knock yourself out with those questions; no one would judge you at that time. Make your share of mistakes, it’s somewhat allowed. Blame them on your learning curve.
1. Communicate.
One imperative thing that needs to happen right from the get-go, is the development of your relationships with peers, your direct report and, most importantly, your boss. All three of these tiers require some testing of waters, productive utilization of your knowledge of psychology, and impeccable communication efforts. Your initial days in this new position are crucial stepping stones towards building a foundation to your successful career with this company. This is not the time to take things lightly from the relationship building standpoint: observe, take mental notes, figure out behavior trends and chemistries, identify certain communication tactics that would make you stand out and be perceived at par from the earliest days.
2. Be aware.
Keep in mind that people talk; you never know who’s going to say what about you and to whom. Utilize the word of mouth as your own PR tool. Even a slight change of an attitude, or ignoring someone who you might think is not relevant or unimportant to your position, could trickle that perception down to someone you directly work with by way of unexpected channels within the organization. I am not suggesting being paranoid about every word that comes out of your mouth. Just be aware of your surroundings and even the subtlest of relationships in your new environment. Proactively set adjustments to your own attitude, and overall personal goodness could set a stage to all of your upcoming interactions and social acceptance. Be yourself, be your best self, and keep your ears to the ground.
3. Work on gaining trust.
As in any human relationships, trust is something you earn. Naturally, people have their guards up in all settings, except for the closest circles. When we are approached by anyone outside of that tightly established circle, we are suspicious – What does she want from me? Why is he asking me this question? What is he implying? So, until you gain that trust, expect to be treated as an outsider. On the other hand, utilize every opportunity to build your trust in the eyes of your boss (I did not say ‘brown-nose’), and your team, especially. Keep in mind: it takes months and years to build that bridge and only seconds to destroy it.
4. Learn on your feet.
There is no such thing as a stupid question! You’ve heard that statement many times. Well, even if it’s true, maybe it is not what’s going through your new co-workers’ heads. For starters, fill in the unknowns through your own research, thank God for Google search! If there are still unknowns, bundle your questions to certain individuals who you sense don’t mind helping you throughout your post-onboarding period, or specific subject matter experts. That way you don’t have to bother anyone one question at a time, very annoying to them! Finally, leave ‘good’ questions for your boss. Questions that reflect your intellect, thought-provoking, analytical, ideas-inspired, and process improving innovations are the type of questions that will show that you are the ‘right’ fit for the job. Good luck!
What are some of your tips that helped you to stand out during your first days of employment? Would love to hear!
SEE ALSO:
5 Practical Books on Improving Business Communication Skills
5 Great Ways to Stay Positive
5 Ways to Deal with Stress at Work
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