1st Mo. at the new job? Use the SUAL Method.

What’s up, New Kid on the Block! New boss. New desk. New faces. New hallways. New clients. New weird bathroom smell. Whoa! This is going to be home, time to get comfortable and settle in.

Everyone seems friendly but your first meeting on the job might as well have been spoken entirely in Chinese because you only understand a few parts. You want to fit in and understand.

Here’s the BIGGEST mistake new people on the job, especially college grads, make while FRESH on the job: they act as if they are a Big Shot.

That includes: bragging about their previous experiences, name dropping, and acting as if this new job is a cake walk. Not only are these talkers clueless but they are also frowned upon by your new work peers. Don’t ACT unless you ARE.

Here’s how to make friends at work AND pick up the need-to-know job details quickly to get ahead: The SUAL Method.

Shut Up And Listen

Be the Sponge. For a month, for two- be the introvert that you aren’t! Be respectful and BE QUIET!

In meetings, on the job, in the bathroom- pay attention to:

1. The way your peers communicate with each other. Whether casual and friendly, professional and distant, or inappropriate and disrespectful- observe communication. When FRESH on the job, you want to earn the respect of your peers. Keep it professional, friendly, and more distant at first.
2. Lingo. Learn it. While using the SUAL Method on my first 3 months on the job, I remember hearing “RFQ” and “RFP” all of the time. Finally I asked a seasoned member of my team to find out ALL about Requests for Quotes and many other tips and tricks I would have never gotten if I didn’t ask.
3. Self-proclaimed “Big Shots.” Listen for them then stay away from them. No matter how many years they have on you, stay away. No one likes a bragger- not clients, not coworkers. Don’t become categorized by association.

Challenge: During your next 3 meetings, implement the SUAL Method. No speaking, just note-taking. If you have questions, reach out to a veteran member of the meeting asking for clarification.

Understanding your new company’s culture up front will make you more friends and sky-rocket your learning curve. Off you go!