Starting a new job? How Intentional Communication Will Set You Up For Success
Starting a new job this year? Whether you're already in week 2 of the new role or you're on the job hunt (right there with you), it’s important to focus on building positive relationships from the start.
As you enter this new chapter of your career…
You may be experiencing a case of imposter syndrome. Reality check - you are deserving of this job.
You may be overwhelmed with all the new information. From where to park to how to log in remotely to who to eat lunch with to the new system you need to learn.
You may not have time to think about building relationships at work because you need to understand what your job is first
I get it. It’s hard being the new kid. But what if we thought about the start of a new job a little differently? What if you decided to focus on relationships as your first task on the job instead of the actual tasks involved?
Think about it like this… usually within the first 1-2 weeks/months your only job is to learn. Whether you are learning in a formalized onboarding program or you are learning by shadowing, your job in the first couple of weeks is to learn.
Your organization is not expecting you to do everything perfectly the minute you start a new job. If they do, that’s another conversation we need to have about resetting expectations.
So why not learn about the people you work with and the work they do? Why not spend 50% of your time learning the tools and tech stack alongside the day to day responsibilities and the other 50% of your time learning about the people in the organization?
Leveraging communication to help you build relationships in the workplace is beneficial for two reasons -
It positions you as a team player (and makes work more enjoyable)
It increases productivity and collaboration
It’s tough putting yourself out there as the new kid on the block. It’s even tougher if you are naturally introverted. I’m not asking you to host an all company party at your house on the weekend. I’m encouraging you to be intentional in the time you are spending with your new coworkers and in the conversations you are having as you meet new people.
When being more intentional in your conversations, ask these two questions when joining a new organization -
1. Ask “How can I help you be successful?"
This first question is a more productive way to ask “so what do you do here?” It will give them an opportunity to reflect on the work they do and give you insight into what they may be struggling with.
Even if you don't know exactly how you will be able to help (as you're brand new to this role), don't shy away from asking this incredibly helpful question. You might be surprised at the answer.
2. Ask “How do you best like to be communicated with?”
This question will create a foundation upon which to build a successful working relationship. Wondering why your new boss never responds to the emails you send them? It’s possible they have 5,000 unread emails sitting in their inbox and the only way to get a straight answer from them is by picking up the phone and calling them.
Asking this question will ensure you are reaching out to your new coworkers in the avenue in which they will best respond.
When joining a new team, it's important to prioritize building positive relationships and the best way to do that? Focus on effective communication.
Congrats on your new role and know that “the new kid” feeling will wear off in about 6 months - give or take. In the meantime, you know Career Civility is here to help you be a better communicator in the workplace!
