How To Settle In A New Job With Ease

Getting ready for your first day at work can mimic your experience on your first day in a new school. As butterflies roam your stomach, your first day in a new school is both terrifying and exciting. You walk in the grounds of an unfamiliar hallway with a schedule in hand. You try your best not to trip or to embarrass yourself in front of other kids. Years later, those similar emotions can be felt as you show up to a new workplace.

You do not know what expect! The first couple of months can be confusing, exciting, and terrifying. These months can make or break your time at a particular company. Start adjusting to a new job by preparing for your first day.

PREPARE FOR YOUR FIRST DAY

Use the weeks leading up to your first day wisely by preparing yourself mentally and physically. Accomplish as many errands as possible such as medical checkups, car maintenance, and visits to relatives. Get adequate amount of sleep and renew your fitness regimen. If time permits, you may freshen up your mind by taking a short staycation.

Prepare for the position by researching about the company and its business press. You can search through its social media accounts to get a grasp of their branding. You can also request for a list of readings from your future boss. He or she will be impressed that you want to start work well-informed and educated.

MAKE A GREAT FIRST IMPRESSION

Your first impression counts. Show up on your first day well-dressed and with enthusiasm to work. Come early and put your mobile phone away to stay focused on the tasks at hand. Take notes on the tasks and the people around. What are their names? It is important to write them down. You can learn a lot from these people.

ASK A LOT OF QUESTIONS

It is easier to assume that we know what to do. Sometimes, we are just too afraid to admit that we cannot do something. However, asking for assistance is the best way to resolve an issue. You are in a new environment. Admitting your lack of knowledge in certain realms may show your eagerness to learn. Take notes.

DO NOT COMPARE THINGS TO YOUR PREVIOUS JOB

No matter how skilled you were in your previous company, it is unpleasant to brag about it in your current working environment. Instead, let your actions speak for itself. Take this opportunity to learn new things, to contribute new ideas, and to share your experience with your co-workers. Find the right platform to air your concerns.

LISTEN TO CULTURAL CLUES

To help you get a grasp of the company’s culture, listen and observe at all times. Building rapport with your new co-workers is important because it lets you assimilate to their culture faster. Be wary. Do not let your desire to fit in encourage you to engage in gossip. You do not want to employ socially destructive behaviors. Listen to cultural clues, but avoid gossips.

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You are the new employee. Smile and make the effort to reach out to them by offering coffee or lunch. This way, you will be able to break the ice.

Sources: 1 & 2

 

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Immediate Steps On Dealing With A Promotion

Several people are fortunate enough to receive a promotion. The glistening promotion is a chance to better yourself and your existing skill set. Higher roles entail more responsibilities and expectations. Some of your previous co-workers may be happy for you, while others may pull you down!

Consider these tips to guide you with the new challenge ahead.

#1: DO NOT WALK IN THE DARK

When I was given the coveted promotion, a series of thoughts ran through my mind. I was deeply concerned about my new supervisor. Keep in mind that the internal roles will shift due to this promotion. Budding relationships, such as the aforementioned, shall work smoothly if you keep the streams of communication open.

Aim to schedule an appointment between you and the supervisor (or the HR representative). Discuss your upcoming responsibilities and duties, especially the operating systems that you are not familiar with. You may be tasked to hire new employees, track the department’s invoices, deal with employee reimbursements, or document employee hours. No matter what your new tasks are, you need to be familiar with the protocol for each new responsibility. Do you need your supervisor’s approval before hiring and employee?

#2: TAKE A STEP BACK

Be honest with yourself as you contemplate on the type of leader that you aim to be. Do you want to be respected or feared? Do you want to build a bridge or a gap between you and your team members? You can be a great leader and a good friend by slightly altering your behaviors.

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Some experts suggest that you must totally disconnect from your team members (i.e., including in social media). This is due to the changing workplace dynamics. You do not want others to perceive that you favor a particular person due to the “preferential treatment”. You may still attend happy hours but, not often as before. Katy Tynan, the author of Survive Your Promotion!, suggests that you continue to spend time with your team members as you need to blow off steam sometimes. Furthermore, bonding experiences let them know that you can vent out whenever necessary.

#3: SET THE FIRM TONE

Changing the manner of your speech is crucial in your daily interactions. From making a stellar interview to filling a complaint, your tone needs to change as you dive in different scenarios. Being a loyal friend on one hand and a critical boss on the other is a challenging task. Thus, you need to set a firm and authoritative tone when you are in the workplace.

Ensure that your team knows that you have their backs. However, they can no longer vent out in a “gossipy” manner. Use your bond to find a concrete solution and move forward in a professional manner instead. Focus on a solution that values customer satisfaction and employee happiness.

#4: ESTABLISH A DIALOGUE

People react differently when it comes to internal promotions. As their new supervisor, you need to be emphatic with their initial thoughts. Actively listen to their feelings and do not be swayed by them. If you dive a little deeper into a conversation, they may start comparing themselves to you. Hurtful statements such as “my performance is better than yours” or “I have more experience than you”. Defending yourself may lead to damaging your professional relationship (e.g., by saying “the CEO did not see a great managerial potential in you”. That is not healthy! It is difficult to spend your days trying to repair the relationship while focusing on your new position.

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Work together to reach a beneficial solution. Communicate your desire to talk to each team member over lunch. Let the department know about your goals and how these will be actualized. It is important to cultivate a two-way feedback between you and them.

Sources: 1,2, 3, 4 & 5

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