Being new doesn't mean you can't take the lead
June 20th 2008 10:20
Being new in a job isn't easy. Everyone seem to know what they are doing and you feel like you are just hanging around, having to ask every single question and slowing everyone else's pace down because they have to take care of you.
Many new employees 'feel bad' for those around them and just sat there in the hope that everything will straighten itself out. They wait to be called on, they hope someone will notice them and in the end it's them that end up suffering because six month down the track, they still have no idea what to do.
Sure it takes time to learn everything, and the company has it in their best interest to train you up so you can start being productive as soon as possible. Why else would they want to employ you? However, don't forget that when people get busy, they get distracted, and they will forget about the new person.
All you have to do is ask.
It's always good to discuss with your management on the possibility of having an assigned mentor. Mentors are there to help you with your daily job role and a good mentor will become an important part of your success in this job. Meet your mentor and ask if you could set up a weekly follow up meeting with them. Put together plans to ask questions and work on certain complex tasks with them during this weekly session so they can show you how things are done.
If you sit there and never question, answers will never come. Make the initiative to ask and learn.
Unfortunately, not all workplaces have time or the resources to have a fixed mentor for you. I have noticed that some don't even offer training, and expect that you read and learn everything yourself. In this case, the quickest way for you to learn is to first watch those doing the same job as you and observe their actions. Try throw yourself in the deep end and work on some of the tasks yourself. Remember to grab someone to check over your work and that you have completed what was asked to do. Find out where information are stored and who to call for any issues. Create your own learning space and you'll be a pro in no time!
The most important lesson of all, is to make sure that you have to initiate the contact; you have to ask the questions; you have to lead.
Many new employees 'feel bad' for those around them and just sat there in the hope that everything will straighten itself out. They wait to be called on, they hope someone will notice them and in the end it's them that end up suffering because six month down the track, they still have no idea what to do.
Sure it takes time to learn everything, and the company has it in their best interest to train you up so you can start being productive as soon as possible. Why else would they want to employ you? However, don't forget that when people get busy, they get distracted, and they will forget about the new person.
All you have to do is ask.
It's always good to discuss with your management on the possibility of having an assigned mentor. Mentors are there to help you with your daily job role and a good mentor will become an important part of your success in this job. Meet your mentor and ask if you could set up a weekly follow up meeting with them. Put together plans to ask questions and work on certain complex tasks with them during this weekly session so they can show you how things are done.
If you sit there and never question, answers will never come. Make the initiative to ask and learn.
Unfortunately, not all workplaces have time or the resources to have a fixed mentor for you. I have noticed that some don't even offer training, and expect that you read and learn everything yourself. In this case, the quickest way for you to learn is to first watch those doing the same job as you and observe their actions. Try throw yourself in the deep end and work on some of the tasks yourself. Remember to grab someone to check over your work and that you have completed what was asked to do. Find out where information are stored and who to call for any issues. Create your own learning space and you'll be a pro in no time!
The most important lesson of all, is to make sure that you have to initiate the contact; you have to ask the questions; you have to lead.
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