Working is a learned skill, behavior, and attitude. We all have to learn as we go, we are going to make mistakes, we are going to look bad, and some of us may get fired; but every one of us will learn … hopefully sooner than later.
Work is hard work and there are many rules, many of which are not written anywhere. Somehow many employers and older people seem to expect that new employees should already know these rules; a situation that is hardly fair.
Fortunately, with posts like you are about to read, with patience and understanding from your employer, with better orientation and onboarding procedures there is help for you and people you know.
Be Early – Arrive 10-15 minutes before you are supposed to. Know where you are supposed to be, where you are supposed to park, and what door you are supposed to use.
Relax – Starting a new job, meeting new people, and learning new things; all involve being outside your comfort zone; but it does get better and less stressful.
Work #1 – Respect start times, take breaks when appropriate (if you don’t know when – ask), stay off your phone, be careful of too much chat, constantly improve your reputation, and be cautious of whom you complain to.
Don’t say you understand something unless you really do – As people, not enough of us say when we don’t grasp a concept or new procedure; it’s okay to ask questions and to admit you don’t understand.
Understand what clothing is appropriate and what is not – Do you need steel-toed shoes or boots? Can you wear casual clothing? What is the organizational policy on piercings and tattoos; good questions to ask.
Health and Safety 1 – Know and understand what your workplace hazards are on day one.
Your first day will be a blur of new people, new processes, questions, and anxiety – It gets better. You will learn who everyone is and what they do. You will learn how to do things. The key to the first day is to absorb what you can and then appreciate your second day will be better.
Expectations #1 – In your first days nobody will expect you to change the world, so take advantage of that freedom from pressure and learn everything you can by listening.
There are hidden rules and cultures in any organization – Listen, observe, ask questions, listen, observe, and try to avoid offering opinions or criticisms too early.
There are good people and less good people in every workplace – Just like your new organization will be watching and listening to you to see if they can trust you, do the same without being aloof.
Beware of the informal hierarchy – Virtually all existing associates are very good to new people. It is worth remembering though, new associates can represent threats to the existing hierarchy in an organization. That hierarchy is not always the organization’s stated; “chain of command” and awareness can help a new person successfully navigate their path and succeed despite it.
Make the effort to be a leader as soon as possible – Leadership isn’t always about supervision, often the best leaders are those who set good examples for others to follow. Your work ethic, your willingness to volunteer, your patience and assistance of new people, and your behavior around customers or clients; all of these behaviors make good leaders.
Work #2 – Worth mentioning twice – You want to be known as a person who can get things done, who doesn’t abuse their breaks, and, as a person who stays until the job is finished.
Take Notes – Have a small notebook to record names and functions, steps in different processes, and anything you have trouble remembering at first. Daily priorities and requests are also useful to write down.
Be engaged #1 – Even when someone tells you something you already know – Using active listening techniques (leaning forward, being attentive, not interrupting, saying thank you) is a great way to connect and build relationships with your co-workers.
Health and Safety 2 – Understand and use the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and insist you receive the proper training.
Work #3 – Do your work as quickly as you can but appreciate the importance of accuracy and completeness. Your ability to complete more and work faster will happen as you improve. Be careful that your speed is not limited by your coworker’s pace.
Expectations #2 – No job is beneath you, take and do every job offered to the best of your ability each time you are asked. Learn, ask questions, learn some more, accomplish each task, and build your reputation and knowledge each day.
When you don’t feel like working – Everyone experiences this, if you are too sick to work, let your employer know as soon as possible by learning and following your organization’s procedures. If you just don’t feel like working, “suck it up,” and know that your reputation and future success are affected by your willingness to “work through” days like this. Showing up and doing your best, even if that is only 80% of your normal ability is still important.
Don’t get hung up on titles, especially your own – If you have been hired for a mid-to senior-level position, consider introducing yourself by name. Try “Hi, I’m Paul, I’m pleased to meet you,” rather than, “Hi, I am the new General Manager.” Your new co-workers will know who you are, and a personal approach will help to forge new working relationships.
Be engaged #2 – Conversation – From your first day until your very last day, make the effort to meet and learn about everyone in your organization and appreciate their lives, struggles, victories, and personalities; from the highest person to the lowest or newest.
Health and Safety 3 – Read directions, instructions, and warnings BEFORE using equipment or potentially dangerous products.
Volunteer – As your training progresses and your ability improves, try to apply your new skills and knowledge as much as possible. If anyone needs a volunteer, make sure it is you.
Skills Development – Take advantage of every course, workshop, seminar, or other learning opportunity offered to you. The skills you acquire are yours and even if you move to other jobs, those skills give you an edge.
Behavior and attitude – Your work ethic and the way you act around people will evolve and improve with time; you have to also be aware that it can decline without attention as well. You control this and your long-term success depends on how to manage yourself.
Be engaged #3 – If your new organization has any after-hours events, ensure that you make every effort to attend and actively participate. These types of events are excellent ways to break down barriers and immerse yourself in their culture.
Avoid the complainer’s club – Every workplace has one of these clubs. It may be difficult to see these people in the first few days but try to avoid anyone who seems to spend more time complaining about their job than actually doing it.
You will be measured and tested daily – Your new employers and coworkers do not know you or trust you in the beginning. Be the person who works as hard when the boss is in the room as they do when the boss is on vacation.
Setbacks – Good things and bad things are going to happen to you, professionally and personally. When they happen make sure you seek support and don’t think you are a failure or that you have to deal with them alone.
Your employer expects you will make mistakes – Your new organization knows that it is going to happen. It is okay: everyone does and will. Do your best, ask questions, admit and own your mistakes, and try not to make the same mistake twice. I always told new people on their first day, “If you make a mistake that we haven’t seen before, we will name it after you.” We never had to do that.
Everything is not about you – Often we tend to see the world only how it affects us; I encourage everyone to take a step back and see yourself as part of a greater whole – this perspective can help you avoid getting caught up in drama, politics, and other distractions that affect your view of your organization.
When you join or re-join the workforce in whatever capacity, appreciate that work is work and you will have good days and bad days. Even from day one, you have skills, you have experiences, and you have an attitude; all of which will help to determine what you achieve and your level of success. Use this post as a small guide or tool to help you improve on what you accomplish.
Good luck,
Paul