Well, I have been contemplating on writing this or not. But I know some will identify, and maybe it will make someone think about things in the future.
I am changing jobs in less than two weeks. As I sit and anticipate all that can change, I am thinking about some that have come to work for companies where I have worked. There are certainly some things that I do not want to do. I have seen some bad habits of new employees that annoy the ones at the company. Let’s see if you recognize that person in your past.
The one that knows everything! This is the one that believes they were hired because they are the gift that has come to save your company. They are the ones that come in and do not even want to look at your standards. They know what needs to be done. It should be done just like they did at their last job. They may bring their templates, families, blocks, and menus. They do not ask questions about how things are done. They just plow ahead with blinders on not caring about standards. This does nothing but annoy their new fellow employees for sure.
Next is the one that constantly refers to their last position. They may make it sound as if their previous job was the best. The constant talk of “when I was at” followed by “we did it this way” is not winning any brownie points with new fellow team members.
What about the one that treats this new job as a stepping stone to their next adventure. They just took this job to get by or could not find anything else. They let you know that this job is beneath them and they will be moving on, usually not soon enough. Once in an interview, I got told I gave the best answer to the question, “What are you looking for?” I said, “My last job.”
So, what should the new employee do? Ask questions. Show that you are willing to learn. Be interested in how the company that hired you does things. Show attention to the details of others’ work as you try to understand your new position. A little bit of humility goes over better than a bulldozer. Get to know the company and what is the norm for this new environment. Don’t try to shake things up right off the bat.
When you have a point to bring up with someone, a change, or a problem, lead with something else. Bring in two positives, then bring up the issue, followed by the solution. This will get you further in any relationship.
In my interview, I stated in the past to my bosses, “My job is to make you look good, and I want to be good at my job.” OK, now I have a plan. I have to work the plan. Get my best foot forward and be ready to learn, ask questions, and bring my knowledge in when and where it fits. And breathe.
Donnia Tabor-Hanson aka CADMama
Revit Family Counselor
Twitter @DonniaTH
