Knock their socks off at the new job

TUDUETSO TEBAPE
Correspondent | Friday January 22, 2010 00:00

Or maybe you're a recent college/university graduate and have just landed yourself your first job, ever. Which ever bracket you fall in, you will still be starting something new in a completely new environment.  Everyone could use a little advice when faced with this exciting new challenge in life.

When in a new working environment, there are so many things people have to stay on top of in order to survive, get the best out of the new work environment and of course to make a good impression. Advice on how to cope and manage well in the new job is abundant and it sometimes may be difficult to determine which advice is useful, and which just ramble. Listed below is a compilation of some advice gathered from various sources- if this information helps even just one person, I feel will have made a positive contribution towards the development of people in the work-force.  A better educated employer delivers a whole lot better at work. (hey, that's two of the five Ds - maybe I'll get some kudos from the President for this one!)

Karen Hainsworth in her article, How to cope with first-week nerves, advises: 'You need to be putting your best foot forward while standing back and observing the culture and creatures in your new environment. And while you attempt to take on as much information as possible, you don't want to give away too much about yourself too soon while you're trying to fit in. It's a juggling act that requires maturity and a measured approach.' Sounds like trying to balance on a tight rope 10m over a burning bush, but given much thought to - this is sound advice. It really is all about 'playing your cards right'. 

Hainsworth goes on: 'While you need to be inquisitive, it's a good idea to take a somewhat measured approach to the way you relate to people - you have to be slightly detached.' On the more positive side of 'people watching' at the office, ' while you're watching the various games and personalities emerge, keep an eye open for a more positive figure - the mentor. If you're lucky enough to spot a workplace Yoda, ask them for some help, without seeming too desperate.

On the sensitive 'boss issue,' 'find out if your boss expects you to keep him or her informed all the time or whether they take a more laissez-faire attitude'.

Website, ehow.com suggests 'firstly, get to know the stakeholders in your future and get them to trust you.

Trust will only be built, if you get to know them on a personal level. Secondly, ask your boss, how he/she thinks you're coming along in your new role - it's better to know sooner than later if things are awry and by taking the initiative you'll show that you're proactive.

Thirdly, sealing some quick wins is a sure way to win hearts and prove your worth to the firm. Lastly, be confident, friendly and open - be positive about your new role and your colleagues as well as the company and the colleagues you've left.'

Executive coach Linda Seale though Careerbuilder.com offers simple, easy to digest advice, listed are a few important points:

* Work full days. Know where and when to report on day one. Get there 30 minutes early and leave when or after most of your co-workers do. Notice people's schedules and work habits, so that you'll know the optimal times and means to connect with others;

*Listen 80 percent; Talk 20 percent. Resist offering opinions or assessments - that road is full of land mines. You'll get more respect by listening and absorbing what your co-workers have to teach rather than by showing off how much you know;

*Identify key players. Find out who the decision-makers, influencers, stars and up-and-comers are. Notice the traits they have in common and try to emulate them; and

*Be a team player. Don't engage in gossip. Always make your boss look good. Share credit with your workmates.

I read somewhere, 'it can take four to 14 months to find the right job, and fewer than three months to  lose it,' so my advice, albeit only through personal experience, is to take heed of the sound advice and knock their socks off at the new job!