Joining A New Team
We have all been there before, you’ve just started your new job and you need to settle in and get up and running as quickly as possible. Here are some top tips to make sure the process is as speedy and smooth as possible.
- Don’t tell them they are doing it all wrong. That’s a quick way to get on the wrong side of your new colleagues. Be inquisitive and try to understand why they are doing it in a certain way. Offer an alternative view only once you have listened to the logic behind their methods.
- Become the expert. When you start a new job it’s easy to feel a little lost or like everyone knows more than you. Do some research, show your team that you are capable of getting stuck in, and up to speed quickly. The sooner you are the expert in your area and you can start taking some work off others, allowing them to do what they are best at. Ask people ‘how’ to do it as opposed to asking them to do it for you. Show willing!
- Learn about your team and what motivates them. Take the time to meet with each of your colleagues individually. Ask what they like and don’t like about the environment, and how each of them would like to work with you.
- Early quick-wins. This is so easy and a sure-fire way to get off on the right foot with your new team. During the ‘getting to know’ chat, you may have picked up on something where you can add value. Offer to help or take something off their desk to free them up. There is always some ‘mundane’ work that they have been putting off or something more important that they just haven’t had time for yet.
- Pick your battles. Influencing people is most effective in small batches. Plant small seeds from time to time, as opposed to full-scale changes from day one.
- Build credibility. Gaining the trust of your teammates is essential, but it will take time for them to buy into you and your judgment fully. Speed this up by sharing your thoughts, processes and frameworks. Give explanations of where your intuitions came from. This may initially slow you down, but eventually, your team will just trust you and you’ll make up for any lost time later down the line.
If you are looking for a new and exciting opportunity, have a look at our current vacancies.