Succeed in a New Workplace

Starting at a new workplace can be stressful, and you want to put your best foot forward.  The following tips can make your transition easier.

• Keep a positive attitude and an open mind.  Your life has changed and it will take getting used to.
  
  
• Smile a lot and be friendly.  Get to know your co-workers and their interests.
  
  
• Ask questions:  You’re new and it’s better to do something right the first time around than have to do it over.
  
  
• Don’t complain about your present or past boss, your office mate, any co-workers, or your previous job.
  
  
• Check to see if you know anyone that knows any of your future coworkers and ask that person to introduce you prior to your first day.
  
  
• Plan the route you’ll take to work as well as some alternate routes.  You really don’t want to be late at all the first few weeks.
  
  
• Listen far more than you talk.  The first week is about you assembling a framework of understanding for how your new workplace works.  Hold off on suggesting changes until you get to know the environment and people and how and why they do things.
  
  
• Communicate with your boss.  Just as sharing your goals with your boss can help promote a positive impression, communicating other aspects of your settling-in can encourage trust and confidence in your abilities. 
  
  
• Ask for help and don’t turn down offers of help. Even if you secretly think you don’t need the help, accept assistance anyway.  At a minimum, you’ll begin forming bonds, but you’ll also probably gain helpful information.  After all, you don’t know what you might not know.
  
  
• Figure out who has the authority to give you work to do and who is just trying to have you do theirs.  
  
  
• Don’t contribute to the grapevine.  You don’t want to gain a reputation as a gossipmonger.
  
  
• Continue to arrive early and don’t rush out the door at the end of the day.
  
  
• Volunteer for projects that will help you get noticed, but don’t neglect any assigned work.
  
  
• Don’t forget to go to lunch and use your lunch hours to get together with your current co-workers, although it may be tempting to meet up with your former ones.
  
  
• Take care of yourself.  Changing jobs is stressful so include activities that you know reduce stress for you – like family outing, time off, exercise and plenty of rest.

Other Resources:

• Mistakes at Work
• 9 Ways to Make a Good Impression at Work
  
• How to Get Along with Your Colleagues
  

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