Adapting to the New Workplace
The first year on your job can determine your long-term success. How well do you plan to do? Our professional organization (NACE) has interviewed managers and executives and many complain that new hires don’t understand what it takes to successfully enter a new organization. This is a summary of their article on the critical first year.
The first year is different. It is imperative that you develop strengths and strategies to be successful. This is the period of time that can make or break your career. As you are new to the position, employees will respond to you differently. You need to have a plan to establish yourself, learn the ways they do things and then figure out what you need to do to earn their respect. How you approach this year will have an impact on your future salary, advancement, ability to move within the organiztion and your own feeling of success.
Slow down and take time to make a positive impression – demonstrate how bright and talented you are but do not attempt a new project until you understand what needs to be accomplished. Learn to be a strong communicator – keep your eyes and ears open and your mouth closed until you learn about the company and its employees. You may recognize a need and develop a plan but don’t overlook the conversation to see if your idea is a fit. They may have tried that before. Learn to value all employees and incorporate them in your ideas. Don’t make quick judgements and embarrassing mistakes that will hurt your career. You need to understand the importance of being a team player.
Learn the culture. Note how things are handled. What do they spend their time processing? What is the basic mission and philosophy of the company? What do they expect of you -especially the appropriate work ethic and social norms? How do they communicate? Do not attempt to make changes until you are accepted.
Make a good impression. You have no track record the first year and the smallest mistakes can be magnified. All organizations are different – note their environment. You need to exhibit good judgment and take time to build relationships. Show them a readiness to change and to grow while showing respect for experience and expertise of older employees. They are looking for both self confidence and humility. Check the attitude – be sure you are realistic about your role as a new employee and are williing to learn, grow and become a team player. Don’t arrive with a superior attitude.
Manage your expectations. The interview never represents the entire picture. It may not be what you expect. People skills and teamwork become very important. Keep your expectations realistic. Once you have accepted a new position, remember the steps to first-year success:
- Adopt the right attitude - polite
- Adjust your expectations – be realistic
- Work on your ‘breaking-in’ skills – take time to learn,grow, produce
- Project the professional impression – dress, grooming, communicating
- Develop and grow relationships
- Become a good listener, learner, follower
- Know and understand the culture and the new hire role
- Develop the knowledge, skills and abilities you will need to perform that position
- If you need guidance, please ask
Remember, the most important person in your first year is your supervisor (boss). Develop that relationship. Let that person set the agenda – what do they want, need and expect. It takes a good follower to grow into a good leader. It is your performance that brings you success.
*************************************************************************************************************** JOB POSTING
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
WORK COLLEGES CONSORTIUM
The Work Colleges Consortium is comprised of seven private liberal arts colleges offering undergraduate education characterized by integrated work-learning-service. (www.workcolleges.org/wcc.htm) The Consortium seeks a dynamic and experienced administrative professional to serve in the role of Executive Director. The Director is responsible for: facilitating the work of the Consortium; coordinating collaboration and best practices including research and assessment among member institutions; developing and maintaining recordkeeping and policy; promoting public information on the work colleges; organizing regional and national conferences and seminars; providing effective communications to facilitate and integrate the work of the Consortium; and providing for strategic and annual planning processes.
The successful candidate for this key position will have a Master’s Degree in a relevant field, 5-10 years of administrative/professional level experience in higher education, strong communication skills, computer proficiency, a collaborative leadership work style, and a willingness to travel. Though working for the seven colleges of the Work Colleges Consortium, the Executive Director will be located at Berea College and provided with the Berea College employee benefits package.
Candidates should apply immediately by completing an Application to Join the College Staff through the People Services Department in Fairchild Hall on the Berea College campus. Additionally, applicants should submit a letter of interest, a current resume, and at least 3 professional references. Information about the application process may be obtained by calling 859-985-3070 or 985-3050 or on line at www.berea.edu/hr. Completed applications may be mailed to People Services, CPO 2189, Berea, KY 40404 or faxed to 859-985-3911. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
Berea College, in light of its mission in the tradition of impartial love and social equality, welcomes all peoples of the earth to learn and work here. Employment decisions are based on training, education and experience related to the requirements of the job. All applicants for employment are considered without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age or disability.
