In these ever changing markets, it seems the days of getting a job, working for the same employer for 25 or 30 years, retiring with a cushy pension and riding into the sunset happily ever after, are over, at least for most of us. Therefor, many people in the workforce, will be faced, either today or soon, with starting a new job. Whether the time is now, or if you are considering a change in career paths in the near future, there are a few things you need to know, or should know, to make the transition as smooth and fruitful as possible.
1/ Shhhhhhhhhhh...
There is a saying that goes something like this - "They thought I was a (insert colorful pronoun here) until I opened my mouth and proved it to be true." Look, as charming, funny and entertaining as you might be or believe yourself to be, coming on too strong your first few days/weeks/months in a new job is a sure fire way to alienate yourself amongst your new peers. Odds are that you will soon find yourself the fodder of many of the conversations around the water cooler, and they won't be about how charming and funny you are. Truth is that this backfires in many ways, and many people try too hard to make impressions too quickly. Allow your actions to speak for you, as you show that you are a valuable member of this new team. Don't risk offending people you barely know with a sense of humor that may not go over so well. Instead, use the time in a new job, to quietly observe others. Learn the landscape. Don't steal the spotlights from others. Don't "one up" others stories. Show genuine interest in what your new co-workers have to say. Ask questions and learn from the answers. All of that being said, don't be afraid to contribute to the work talk with your innovative ideas and suggestions.
2/ Serve First
I recently started a new position, a part time job, that to be honest, wasn't really something that excited me, but it fit my needs in terms of time frames between contracts, and it beat laying around the house collecting unemployment. My first day on the job, I started walking up to people asking if there was anything I could do to help them. It was amazing the response that I got. First I was greeted with a smile, and either a polite "No I'm good, but thank you." or "Sure I could use a hand with this or that". Either way, word got out quickly how nice a guy I was, and it spread all over the company, including up into management. Soon everybody was noticing that I was helping others in the company whenever I had a free minute from my own duties. You see, I served first. I put the needs of others in front of my own, and it paid off. Serve first, and you will see it pay off in spades.
3/ Avoid the Gossip
It is inevitable, in any job, that you will be approached usually sooner than later, by one or more of the resident gossipers. They are everywhere. And all they want to do is engage you in the story of the day about so and so and what they are up to. Here is where you have options. Option #1 would be to engage with that person, thinking that they want to be your new friend. After all, who doesn't want a new friend at a new job. But beware the wolf in sheep's clothing because the one who gossips to you will inevitably gossip about you. Option #2 would be to just ignore it, smile, nod your head and keep your mouth shut. This way you don't get dragged in, but you also won't make an enemy. #3 would be to let the person know you are not one to gossip and have them move along, which will likely put you his or her crosshairs and make you the target of further gossiping. If that happens, shrug it off and ignore it. Really, who cares what the gossipers say about you. This crowd isn't happy unless they are talking about someone, so don't let it get to you.
So here it is, a few tips that will help you settling into your new work place. Basically, avoid the negative energy. It's a virus, and if you catch it, you will spread it. Stay positive, smile, do your job, and over time, your will find a social circle of like minded coworkers, who will trust you and like you for who you are.
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