Cross-posted from Superstar Employee my employee empowerment blog
Are you just beginning your career? Have you newly joined
this company having served in a different company? The following tips will help
you adapt quickly to your new workplace and avoid unnecessary culture adjustment
problems.
Understand Rules Of The Buddy System
There is company specific lingo and codewords you’ll be
expected to learn in order to make friends with other people. Don’t ask anyone
directly. They will neither share or appreciate your curiosity. If you had
similar experiences at school trying to blend in and making friends, the
workplace is no different. If at all, your colleagues are far more competitive
and insecure. So tread slowly and intelligently - Try to figure it out
indirectly by befriending a senior over coffee.
Don’t Try To Be An Expert.
Your seniors have much more experience in the company and
know how it functions. So, don’t try to be an expert. If you see problems with
the way things are run, do not complain even to a polite colleague or senior
because they are trying to figure you out just as you’re trying to figure them
out! Complaints can
wait at least till the end of the probationary period.
To Avoid Confusion and Misunderstanding Learn To Clarify
and Rephrase
Try to solve technical, work-related issues without taking
too much help from your seniors. Learn to clearly ask what you want from them or
what they want from you in order to avoid unnecessary confusion. Rephrase before
parting just to make sure both you and your co-worker are in agreement over the
issue.
Figure Out The Correct Procedures Yourself
As far as possible, try to understand the rules and
procedures without taking too much help from others. However, in case of
exceptional circumstances like sexual misconduct or bullying, try contacting the
HR or the
designated Complaints cell or ask a polite senior about ‘the right
procedure’.
Do Not Ask Advice From A Peer
Your colleague could be just as new as you and is equally
inexperienced. Try to figure it out yourself, ask the HR or your team leader- in
that order. Be polite but firm and try to be helpful. Find potential people who
will look out for you in times of trouble and begin making inroads into creating
relationships by taking them for coffee.
Stay Neutral. Don’t Create Groups Or Join One.
REMEMBER, you have joined the company to further your
career. So focus on bettering your skills rather than ‘reforming’ the company or
fellow individuals.
LEARN TO NOT COMPROMISE ON YOUR WEEKENDS
Come early, stay back late if necessary but never agree to
work on weekends. Cite personal, family or medical problems if
necessary. Offer to do the work during the weekdays by staying back late if
necessary.
Weekends are for you to enjoy with friends and family. You
have earned it!
Follow all the suggestions for a month and see the results
for yourself. Let me know how it works out for you! Share any other tips or
secrets you learnt.
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