By Motlagae Konyana
The most nerve-wracking feeling of being the newbie at the office is getting along with your colleagues. It’s all about balance and not being too much or too little of something. Being the new guy or woman involves many challenges. Different personalities, departments, systems and subcultures must be navigated and, in many ways, overcome.
Kaya welcomes back Thomas Msengana in the building as the new guy. Thomas and Skhumba in the morning team share some survival guidelines for Thomas as the newbies at work.
“I had to change my alarm clock for 4am” says Thomas Msengana
- Learn the company culture. Whether you’re coming in as a manager to shake things up or a staff member, one of the most important things to do is pay attention to learn the company culture and politics.
- Ask questions: This also applies to your everyday tasks. If there’s something you don’t understand, ask. It goes to show how genuinely interested you are. Curiosity might kill the cat, but it does not apply to you in this context.
- Check-in with your supervisor. Make sure you check in with your supervisor to see how you’re doing. Don’t wander in silence, which could make you feel even more anxious.
- Immerse yourself: have lunch with your new colleagues; listen to them; learn from them; understand them and the new office culture.
- You have to build relationships. You have to show a willingness to learn, collaborate, and share.
- Fix any misconceptions about you through your actions, if there are any.
- Find your compass: find a mentor within the organization.
- Keep your word and follow through on what you say you’re going to do
Happy working. Good luck with your new job.
