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: 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!
Anonymous says
Wow, this posting is awesome, so helpful!!! Thanks FOTJ!