I believe that whenever some starts a new job, they think it is a “clean slate, or a new beginning” and it is chance to build or re-establish their reputation with a new group of people.
It can also be a time of anxiety and discomfort because your comfort zone has been turned upside down. These are a few of the points that I share with new associates when they start working.
RELAX – Everyone is nervous the first day, you are human. It’s a lot to take in, we will train you on the basics.
- The goal of the first day is to get it out of the way, it’s kind of like the first day of school when you were a kid. You will get introduced, get a tour, meet the people you will work with, do health & safety things.
It will likely be a blur, but everyone feels that way
BE EARLY
- Give yourself lots of time to arrive, plan on traffic delays and issues.
- Nothing impresses new employers than associates who are early on their first day, its even okay, if you are the first one there.
- If you drive, make sure you know where to park, and which door their associates go in. (remember to ask when they have you doing the paperwork)
MAKE A LIST
- When you have a moment, make a list of the people that you meet and notate what they do, it will help you learn who does what. Really good companies will give you a list of “who’s who.”
PASSIVE LEARNING
- In your first days on nobody will expect you to change the world, take advantage of that “freedom from pressure” and learn everything you can by listening.
- Listen to everyone from the top person to the people that clean the building. These people will help you learn the culture of the organization.
- Don’t be surprised if a gap exists between what the managers and owners think is happening and what is really happening.
ACTIVE LEARNING
- Together with the previous point, also ask questions, lots of questions, listen to the answers, ask for clarity if necessary, and try to learn why things are done a certain way.
- At this point try not to pass judgements on your opinions of whether something is good or bad.
MAKE NOTES
- As your training progresses on the particular systems and processes of your new company, keep your own notes, record your thoughts on things that are good and bad for future reference.
- It is also a good time to begin to make notes on suggested improvements.
BE AWARE OF POSTURING
- Virtually all existing associates are very good to new people; however, it is worth remembering that new people can represent threats to the existing pecking order and comfort zones for any number of people and groups within an organization awareness is important.
DON’T GET HUNG UP ON TITLES
- If you have been hired for a mid to senior level position, consider introducing yourself as “Hi, I’m Paul, I’m please to meet you”, rather than, “Hi, I new General Manager”, your new co-workers will know who are you are.
- My recommendation is that in your first few days, working “under the radar, may put them at ease, allowing them to speak more freely, and start making you seem approachable.
VOLUNTEER
- As your training fills in more of the blanks and your ability improves to do things for your new company, make sure that you volunteer any time your supervisor needs a job needs done.
PARTICIPATE WHEN POSSIBLE
- If your new company has company functions after hours, make sure that you make every effort to attend, try to participate in staff contests, etc.
MAKE YOURSELF AVAILABLE TO ANSWER QUESTIONS
- This is especially important if you are a supervisor or manager; depending on your training, and who else may be available, make sure that people know that you are ready, willing, and able (as much as possible to assist them).
BE EARLY, STAY LATE, WATCH YOUR BREAKS
- Establish your reputation early, as a person who can get things done, doesn’t abuse their breaks, and, as a person who stays until the job is finished.
BE CAREFUL ABOUT BEING DRAWN INTO THE “COMPLAINERS CLUB”
- Every workplace has one of these clubs, it is a bad place for new associates to be.
YOU ARE GOING TO MAKE MISTAKES
- Your new company knows that it is going to happen, it’s okay, everyone does, do your best, ask questions, and try not to make the same mistake twice.
- I always told new people this on their first day, I also said, “if you make a mistake that we haven’t seen before we will name it after you”, and we never had to.
KNOW THAT YOU ARE BEING WATCHED, MEASURED, and TESTED
- This should not be a surprise to you or anyone else; however, some people seem to forget this and then wonder why their career is not progressing.
- Develop your reputation as a person who works as hard when the boss is in the room as they do when the boss is on vacation.
Good luck and just do your best and try not to worry too much that you are not learning fast enough; work hard and trust in yourself.