Navigating a new workplace with grace
Subscriber Benefit
As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe Now
Starting a job at a new workplace is exciting. Yet, it can also be nerve-wracking. Whether you are right out of college, transitioning from another role, or adapting to a new workplace environment, the experience can feel like navigating in uncharted waters. With the right mindset, though, you can not only survive this change, but thrive in your new landscape.
Recently I found myself in the uncharted waters of a new company when I started with Purple Ink, thinking about ways I could seamlessly acclimate to my new team, job responsibilities, and organizational culture. I found myself thinking back to people I had hired to join my organizations in the past. What had they done to be successful? How did they start on the right footing? I wanted to learn, and emulate, those same positive experiences. I’ve narrowed it down to the top five tips that I find most helpful.
Take Time to Listen, Observe, and Learn
When we are new, we might want to quickly show the value we can bring to our new team and organization. However, resist the urge to immediately assert yourself. Instead, prioritize listening and observing. Take time to learn the company culture and team dynamics and really understand the expectations of your role.
When we actively listen, we are observing how things operate. This insight is valuable to the inner workings of an organization. It allows us space to gain knowledge on a company’s communication styles, their core values, how tasks might be handled, while also giving us time to gain our own confidence in the new world we are exploring. This will serve as the foundation to integrate yourself into your new team.
Build Relationships
Take proactive steps to build rapport with your new colleagues, supervisors, and key stakeholders. Show the initiative to start conversations, ask questions, and express genuine interest in getting to know your teammates.
Investing in relationships can create a sense of belonging for yourself, but it will also start to build a support system too. You will build on your newly forming common ground based on needs, motivation, and goals. Building relationships can take time, though, so be patient and consistent in your efforts.
Set Good Habits Early
Early habit creation can set the tone for your overall performance and productivity with your new organization. Focus on prioritizing tasks effectively, manage your time, and strive for consistency in your work ethic.
Work to create a routine that allows for a work-life balance from the beginning. This could be dedicating time for a new skill development, exercise, or self-care. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is key to sustained success and limited burnout.
Be Open-Minded
Be sure to approach your new workplace with an open mind and willingness to embrace change. Allow yourself to be receptive to different perspectives, ideas, and ways of doing tasks you might have been familiar with.
Every organization has their unique challenges. Your ability to adapt and remain flexible will be important. Cultivate a mindset for growth that views these challenges as opportunities for learning and development!
Be Gentle with Yourself
Transitioning to a new workplace can be overwhelming. It is okay and normal to feel uncertain at times. Remember to be kind to yourself and acknowledge that there will be a learning curve.
Give yourself permission to make mistakes and then take the time to learn from them. Celebrate your accomplishments, even if they feel small. Focus on the progress you are making, not perfection. Be sure to talk to yourself the way you would a friend going through the same transition, using your nice and encouraging words for yourself!
We all want to thrive in the new roles we take on, which requires patience, resiliency, and a willingness to take on the unknown. Taking time to listen, build relationships, setting good habits, staying open-minded, and being gentle, you can navigate this transition with confidence. Be sure to embrace the journey and enjoy the ride!