New Hires: Here’s What Not To Say In Your First Month
On The Job
You still have to prove yourself in those first 30 days.
When you first start a job, not only is it
important to make a positive first impression, it’s also important to prove a
point. No, you’re not trying to stroll into the new job and act like the head honcho, but instead, you are trying to prove
your worth and potential. All eyes are on you, the new hire, and it’s your time
to shine.
To dazzle your boss, align with colleagues,
and be primed for success, there are not only some quick wins to achieve in the
first 30 days, but there are also some definite no-nos. Listen, learn, and lean in are the must-dos. Alienating, assuming, and
acting aloof are behaviors that will tarnish your reputation before you’ve even
had a chance to make it to your first performance review.
Put your positive foot forward and take note
of these 10 things to never say in the first 30 days of work.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions–that’s what
your “new hire” time is for. Steer clear of this statement, and replace it with
comments like “What are your thoughts about . . . ” and “How does your
team approach . . . ” or “What do you think about when trying to tackle . . . ”
2. “ISN’T THAT AMIT’S JOB?
SHOULD WE GET HIM IN?”
While it may be correct to include an
important stakeholder in a meeting, saying “Isn’t that Amit’s job?” is a bit
off-putting. It can make you sound uncooperative and may be a red flag to colleagues that perhaps you’re not a team player. Remember, teamwork makes
the dream work. Pitch in where you can and be a hand-raiser in the first 30
days especially.
3. “I TRIED MY BEST”
Do, don’t try. Just do! In
the first 30 days, you should aim to achieve, if not exceed, expectations. Your
goal should be to add value to the team and contribute as much as you can.
Instead of making excuses, try making strides. Trust us, your boss will
appreciate your tenacity.
4. “WHY DO PARENTS GET TO WORK
FROM HOME SOME DAYS?”
Showing distaste for the company’s flexible
work policies or how coworkers schedule their work will not win
you any friends at the office. Sure, there have been recent discussions about
the perception of unfair workloads between single, childless workers and
married colleagues or those with families. However, this is not a debate that
new employees need to engage in–at least not publicly. If you want a flexible
work schedule, discuss that with your boss, and leave the parents on the team
out of it.
5. “AT MY LAST JOB WE DID IT
LIKE THIS . .”
(THE ABOVE FOR THOSE WHO HAVE
HAD APREVIOUS JOB)
As tempting as this one might be, watch out
for how many times this slips out. Once or twice is fine, but you don’t want
your new colleagues to think that you’re unable to leave the processes of your
past roles in the, well, in the past. Embrace new tools, tactics, and
procedures. Once you’ve learned the protocol, feel free to suggest tweaks or
efficiencies.
6. “I SHOULD’VE ASKED FOR MORE
MONEY”
While you may have regrets about your salary
negotiation or compensation, focus on the future. Set aside the “shoulda,
coulda, wouldas” and focus on the work at hand. Once performance review time comes, you can use Know
Your Worth to make your case for a raise.
7. “THAT DOES NOT MAKE SENSE”
It’s easy to get confused when you’re new to
the job. However, instead of sounding negative, simply ask probative questions
to understand what your colleague is saying. Try: “I want to understand more,
can you give me the background?”
8. “I’M SORRY, BUT . . . “
If you’ve made a misstep, own it. No need for
excuses. Your boss and colleagues understand that onboarding can be bumpy.
Simply apologize and move on. Next time, you’ll do better.
9. “BECAUSE I’M IN CHARGE”
While you may be the senior team member,
there’s no need to throw your weight around in such an obvious, heavy-handed
way. Lead by example.
10. “I QUIT”
No matter what, keep your cool. Even if
you’re contemplating jumping ship, do it gracefully
.
BY AMY
ELISA JACKSON—GLASSDOOR
https://www.fastcompany.com/40431418/new-hires-heres-what-not-to-say-in-your-first-month?utm_source=mailchimp&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=fcdaily-bottom&position=5&partner=newsletter&campaign_date=06162017
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