Getting Off On The Right Foot

Here are four common challenges that new employees face in the workplace as well as ideas on how to handle them: (2/4)

2) Being heard by your peers can be another challenge when beginning a new job. It is best to first listen to and observe your peers to get a feel for the type of environment that exists. When you feel confident, start sharing your own solutions. Don't feel discouraged if it takes awhile for your peers to hear you. Keep positive and calm, and know that your opinion will be valued in time.

Here are four common challenges that new employees face in the workplace as well as ideas on how to handle them: (3/4)

3) Making mistakes can be a challenge for new employees. No one likes to look like the "new guy". Rather than getting upset or frustrated, forgive yourself for the mistakes you make and move on. Don't lose your positive attitude over them.

Here are four common challenges that new employees face in the workplace as well as ideas on how to handle them: (4/4)

4) Time management can be challenging when you have a whole new list of tasks to complete. Break down the tasks into smaller "to-do" lists for each day or week. If you are still having trouble, ask a coworker what works best for him or her. You will get the hang of it in time.

Measurements for success

Another thing you should discuss with your manager is how he or she measures success. If you are a salesperson, maybe it is by a certain number of sales per month or per quarter, or a certain dollar amount of sales. If you are in customer service, maybe it is by an annual performance review. Whatever the case, talking to your manager will give you answers to this question and help you prepare to measure for success.

The first and most important company rule to follow is:

Arrive to work on time every day

Knows everything or Asks questions

Asks questions

Be proactive

Being proactive means to take action by causing something to happen, rather than responding after it has happened. Take initiative and get things done! Do your best on all your work. Turn your projects in on time. Establish relationships with your supervisor and coworkers. All these things will help you make a good first impression and be a valued employee.

Expectations

Expectations are the things you are supposed to do in your job. You want to have a clear understanding of the expectations for someone in your position. You should already know what your job duties are, but it can only help to clarify them with your manager or supervisor. Maybe your manager has added additional expectations to your position based on your background or experience. The best way to find this out is to discuss it with the manager and make sure that you are both on the same page.

Building workplace relationships should be your first priority in your new job.

False

Cover up your mistakes

False

Don't ask anyone questions about your work.

False

You can use positive affirmation statements in your mind to help yourself, or you can say them out loud to others to help them. These statements have the opposite effect of complaining in that they increase success in yourself and in others. Some examples of affirmation statements you can use to increase workplace positivity in yourself or others are:

I am great at my job. We can do it! We will meet the deadline. I am capable of doing my best. I will do a great job. We will achieve success.

Work on building healthy relationships

If you are lucky, your company will have a great culture and welcome new employees with open arms. The other employees will go out of their way to help you and get to know you. It's great to feel welcomed in your new position, but don't lose sight of your work. Be nice, be friendly and be yourself, but don't get so caught up in workplace relationships that you forget about doing your job.

Ask questions

If you still have questions after talking to your peers or other helpful people at the company, make sure that you clarify expectations with your manager or supervisor. He or she is there to help you along in your first weeks at the job, so take advantage of this assistance. Never be afraid to ask questions; they are not a sign of weakness. Rather, they are a sign that you want to do your job as best you can. When you ask questions, bring a notepad and pen so that you remember the answers and use these answers to help you finish your work.

Get all the information

In the previous scenario, the new employee did not get all of the information regarding the project. The experienced employee tried to give him tips and more information so that the project was done exactly to expectations. This is why it is important to get all the information about your work before you complete it. It can be helpful to ask the following people for help or more information before you begin a task: A peer in your department Someone else at the company Someone in the same field as you

video

In this example, the employee asked a coworker about the dress code. Now that he knows the policy, he should follow it carefully. Here are five tips we will discuss to help you follow company rules and policies: Be punctual Meet and exceed expectations Study the handbook Observe coworkers Stay within the boundaries

Decide with whom you will associate

In your new department, you are guaranteed to have people with many types of personalities. Like it or not, the people with whom you associate or spend time with will say a lot about who you are as a person. So, it is best to avoid negative people if possible. If you associate with negative people, you will be viewed as one of them.

Let's watch an example of how this meeting could go: (video)

It is important to note that once you clarify expectations with your manager, you should do your best to meet them. It won't seem professional if you know the expectations but choose not to meet them. On the other hand, you will be a valued employee if you not only know the expectations, but exceed them regularly.

Here are several reasons complaining about work is not good for you or your workplace:

It makes things worse than they are. It becomes a habit. It decreases morale. It promotes bad relationships. It leaves people out of the "group". It decreases chances of success. It makes you a negative person.

Now that we have pointed out the hazards of gossip, it is important to note that avoiding gossip in the workplace may not always be easy. It is, however, the best course of action, especially when beginning a new job. Let's look at tips from the Careerstone Group on ways to avoid gossip in the workplace:

Keep busy in your job duties. The more you are working, the less you will be bothered by gossipers. Don't participate in the gossip. Walk away from stories about others and don't spread them. Turn around the gossip by saying something positive about the person or situation being discussed. Keep your private life to yourself. Chances are, the gossipers at work will also use your private information against you. Choose your work friends wisely. If you associate with gossipers, you will be viewed as one of them. Directly address the person who is gossiping and ask him/her to stop. Go to a supervisor with your concerns. He/she should be happy to take the opportunity to address the situation and boost the workplace environment.

Mistakes to avoid

Many of us are afraid to make a mistake in our daily lives, let alone when beginning a new job! However, you need to take a deep breath and relax knowing that you are bound to make a mistake at some point in your new position. After all, you're only human and in the process of learning a new job!

Don't assume you know what to do

Many people enter a new job thinking that knowing everything makes them highly valuable. However, that is rarely the case. If you pretend that you know everything and assume what you are to do, you set yourself up for many mistakes, or even failure. Let's watch an example of an employee who begins his new job assuming that he knows what to do:

_____________ your manager regarding questions about job expectations when you are first starting out.

Meet with

Be punctual

One of the most important parts of following company rules and policies is to always be punctual, or arrive on time to work. Punctuality doesn't only mean to be on time every day, however. It also includes returning from lunch in a reasonable amount of time, showing up early for meetings ready to go, and attending work every day that you can. All of these things show others that you respect them and their time. Many companies will keep track of your attendance or punctuality. If you are regularly absent from or late to work, it shows your employer that the job is not very important to you. If you make an effort to always be on time, you will show that you value the company and your job.

Section 2 - Take Responsibility In this situation, you can see that the employee took initiative and showed responsibility by finishing their project before the deadline. This is a great example of getting off on the right foot. Here are six additional ways we will discuss to help you take responsibility when beginning a new job:

Own your mistakes Be proactive Volunteer Help coworkers in need Have a great work ethic Be honest

Practice affirmations

Positive affirmations are short, positive phrases that can help you to build your confidence and have success in your new job. For example, repeating the phrase, "I know that I will get this project done on time," will increase your chances of actually getting the project done on time. In this way, affirmations help you remind yourself that you really are a capable employee.

As you can see, the new employee assumed that he did the project well and did not accept help from a more experienced employee. Take a minute to think about what could happen when he turns in his first project. What is likely to happen when the new employee turns in his first project?

The project is good, but the manager offers ways for him to improve on the next project.

Try to correct the mistake on your own.

True

You have a clean slate in your new position.

True

Angry or Understanding

Understanding

Observe co-workers

When beginning a new job, it can be helpful to observe, or watch the behavior of those around you. After all, these people have been working there longer than you have and have more experience working for the company. Notice what they are doing and act accordingly. For example, find out how long your coworkers take for a lunch break, or how much time they take to complete their projects. This can help you gauge what the rules are and what you should be doing.

Don't complain

When we feel overwhelmed or frustrated, it can feel natural to complain about the situation. Complaining, however, only makes things worse. Chronic complaining, whether it is justified or not, can be toxic and make your department or company an unpleasant place to work.

Meet and exceed expectations

When you meet with your manager and clarify your job expectations, it is important that you listen to the response. You want to be very clear and know what is expected of you so that you can not only meet the expectations, but exceed them. This is a way to meet and exceed your company rules and be a valued employee.

Help coworkers in need

You want to establish a good relationship with others in the workplace when beginning your new job. Once you get a handle on the work you are doing, a great way to develop workplace relationships is to offer help. You can offer help with a project, offer to help lead a meeting or ask if there are any duties you can take off your coworker's plate. There may be times when you will need help from your coworkers as well, so don't be afraid to lend a helping hand if you see that help is needed. And remember: don't take on so much for someone else that you can't get your own work done.

Section 4 Review

You've reached the end of Section 4. Let's take a moment to review information covered in this section. Staying positive is important in keeping your new job. Have a positive attitude in all that you do. It will rub off on others and make work more pleasant. Accept the challenges that come along with a new position. Avoid gossip in the workplace. It is toxic and only brings others down. Fight the urge to complain about work or the challenges that you are facing. Give affirmations to yourself and others and you will create a more positive work atmosphere.

Section 5 Review

You've reached the end of Section 5. Take a moment to review what we've discussed in this section. Always listen to and follow instructions in your new job. Don't assume you always know what to do. Things may be different in your new job. Get all of the information before acting on it. Ask questions about your work. Assuming things can cause you to do the work wrong or poorly. Be open to new ways of doing things and you might surprise yourself. Follow up after the work is complete.

Section 6 Review

You've reached the end of Section 6. Take a moment to review what we've discussed in this section. Your new job is a chance for you to start fresh in your career, so take advantage of this clean slate! Decide who you want to be and how you want to be known. You have the power to be viewed as a positive employee. Choose carefully who you will associate with in the workplace. Avoid negative people (as much as possible) and focus on keeping a positive attitude. Work on building healthy peer relationships that are based on respect and trust. Let go of past issues and move on. Know that the past will only hold you back. Take the opportunity to begin again.

Increases conflict between employees Harms teamwork Decreases workplace morale Creates an uncomfortable work environment Decreases productivity These are all things caused by ______________.

gossip

When you start a new job, you have the power to create a good impression of yourself. One of the best ways to create a good impression on your new job is to ______________.

have a positive attitude

Focus on building ____________ workplace relationships.

healthy

Issues from the past will only __________ in your new job.

hold you back

Gossip is ________ in the workplace.

hurtful

Complains or Is grateful

is greatful

You may appear ________ if you don't show up for work on time.

lazy

Asking questions about your job expectations will make you seem ________________.

like you care about your job

How could the situation be handled the next time?

(listen to his peer right away) (ask his peer to review his work) ( ask others for suggestions) all of the above

You should know your job expectations and strive to _________ them.

(meet)(exceed) both of the above

It's best to ________ gossip when you hear it.

(stop)(ignore) both of the above

Here are four common challenges that new employees face in the workplace as well as ideas on how to handle them: (1/4)

1) Fitting in with your peers or team can be difficult for a new employee. A good way to accept this challenge is to get to know your peers through office projects. Use this time to share interests and build trust. Always be friendly and professional. Avoid participating in office gossip.

Timelines for projects

A timeline is a date for which a task or project is to be completed. In your new job, you may have a different timeline to complete projects than in past positions you have held. You want to make the timeline for projects clear by checking with your manager so that you don't just assume when they are due. You don't want to get off on the wrong foot by turning in your first project late. On the other hand, it will show initiative and impress your supervisor if you turn in your first project early. Remember not to compromise the quality, though. Take your time and do your best work--especially when beginning a new job!

Avoid gossip

An important part about staying positive in your new job is to avoid gossip, (talk about others), at your new workplace. It can be tempting to join in on the gossip, especially as you are trying to fit in, but it is never a good idea to do so. Here are some reasons why gossiping can damage your new career and any work environment:

Study the handbook

Arguably the most important part of following company rules and policies is to study the company handbook. You should receive an employee handbook with rules and policies of the company as soon as you are hired. If you do not receive one, make sure to ask your supervisor or a peer where you can get one.

a) Lead one presentation per month

By doing two presentations per month

Overwhelmed or Calm

Calm

__________ are bound to occur at work.

Challenges

___________ job expectations with your boss.

Clarify

Here are five tips for listening to and following directions:

Don't assume you know what to do Get all the information Ask questions Be open to new ways of doing things Follow up

Assume that you know what to do.

False

Blame the mistake on someone else

False

Choose your work "friends" on the first day of work.

False

It was not appropriate for the employee to ask about past mistakes made at the company.

False

It's okay to make the same mistake over and over again.

False

The employee should not have been taking notes in the meeting.

False

The manager should have set up this meeting.

False

Follow up

Follow up with the people you've asked for help after you complete a task or project. Let them know if and how their advice helped you. It is also a good idea to ask them for feedback regarding your work. You can use what they say to improve your task or project for the next time.

Gives affirmation or Gossips

Gives affirmation

Happy or Crabby

Happy

Have a great work ethic

Having a good work ethic means that you view hard work as good and worthy of reward. Your work ethic demonstrates how hard you work to complete a task. Having a good work ethic makes you a valued member of your staff or team. You want to be valued and viewed as a hard-worker in order to succeed and keep your job. This is why it is important to establish yourself as having a great work ethic from day one of your new job. Do your work to the best of your ability without complaining.

Have a positive attitude

Having a positive attitude at work involves always looking on the bright side and expecting the best from others and yourself. This can help you be a better and more productive employee. Staying positive can often be hard to do. However, keeping a positive attitude helps you as well as everyone else on your team. Just one positive or optimistic person can change the entire workplace mood for the better. By remaining positive, you have the power to create a good impression of yourself and encourage the same attitude in others. Being a role model in this way will make work more pleasant for everyone.

Helpful or Keeps to self

Helpful

Gossip

Increases conflict between employees and harms teamwork Decreases workplace morale Wastes company time Creates a toxic and uncomfortable work environment Decreases productivity

Stay within the boundaries

It's a good idea to stay within the boundaries of the company rules and policies when beginning your new job. For example, if the company provides five sick days per year, you shouldn't necessarily use all five of them (unless they are absolutely needed) and especially not within the first few weeks. Sick days are a benefit to help employees who are truly ill and can't work. They are not a right to more time off, and you should not use them as such.

Be open to new ways of doing things

Managers or supervisors don't look for employees to join a team and attempt to make the team see things their way. Instead, managers want smart workers who adapt to the team and bring an open mind with their new ideas. Although you may have done a similar job before, chances are that it will be very different doing the job at a new company. This is why it is important to ask others for help and guidance.

Failing to answer company calls or emails

No

Knowing you could have done better on a presentation

No

Showing up for a meeting one minute late

No

Showing up late to a meeting

No

Taking a longer lunch once per week

No

Taking all ten vacation days

No

Turning in a project last-minute

No

Turning in an incomplete project

No

Using all five out of five sick days as soon as you can

No

Decide who you want to be

No matter how you were viewed in a previous job, you have the power to decide how you want to be viewed in your new position. You control how people view you based on your work, choices and actions. Remember, it is important to act and be positive in your new workplace. You want to be a role model for your team members and other peers. You have the power to make a positive difference in the work environment.

video Let's watch two scenarios; one about a person who is regularly late for work, and one who is always on time. (2/2)

Notice that in this situation the manager takes note of how many times his employee is early to work. This shows her commitment to the job and the value she puts on working for the company

video Let's watch two scenarios; one about a person who is regularly late for work, and one who is always on time. (1/2)

Notice that in this situation, the employee had an excuse for being late each day. If you are having problems, let your manager know ahead of time so the company can plan for you being late. Remember, though, that it is your job to sort out personal problems like this one so you can be on time to work each day. Having an excuse does not make it right.

Open-minded or Closed-minded

Open-minded

Accept challenges

Problems and challenges occur at work, whether you are a new or experienced employee. Handling the challenges when first beginning a new job can be tough, but it is possible to accept and handle them in a positive way. This will ensure that you keep a good attitude.

Let go of past experiences and issues

Remember that you have a clean slate when you begin your new job. Take a deep breath and know that it is time to let go of past experiences and issues you had in your prior positions. No matter what problems you have had with bosses, peers or others in the past, it is time to leave the past in the past and move on in your career. If you don't, the past will only hold you back from succeeding in your new position. Take this time to develop a great reputation and to begin again.

Smiles or Looks annoyed

Smiles

________________ means you understand exactly what your job duties are and get them done on time.

Taking responsibility

Be honest

Taking responsibility in your new job also involves being honest and taking responsibility for your actions. Honesty in your new job shows that you can be trusted and demonstrates that you are not afraid of failure. For example, if you make a mistake, admit it and move on, doing your best at your job.

Names of people to meet

The final topic you should discuss in this meeting with your manager is names of people you should meet. Since you are just starting out, there will be a lot of new people to meet in your department or company. Asking your manager if there is anyone you should be sure to meet will help you get to know the right people. You may be expected to work with or support other employees either in your department or a different department. It also might be beneficial to meet fellow co workers who can potentially serve as mentors.

Ask a peer for feedback or help before, during or after your work is done.

True

Asking about past mistakes will help the employee begin their new job on the right foot.

True

Get all the information available to you before you complete your work.

True

Learn from your mistakes.

True

Own your mistakes

True

The employee should follow the manager's advice.

True

The employee showed initiative by meeting with the manager.

True

The employee was respectful toward the manager.

True

The manager believes the employee wants to do a good job.

True

The meeting was helpful for both the employee and the manager.

True

Own your mistakes

We have discussed that you are bound to make a mistake or two when beginning a new job. Relax and know that this is okay. Although it is not always pleasant to admit your mistakes, you want to admit and learn from them in your new job. Hopefully, you can minimize the mistakes you make by asking others for advice. But, when a mistake occurs, you should remember to "own" it.

Works alone or Works as a team

Works as a team

Asking for additional projects and responsibilities

Yes

Doing your best work

Yes

Getting projects done on time

Yes

Offering to help others

Yes

Organizing your calendar and completing tasks early

Yes

Researching your position and new work methods

Yes

Showing up to work on time

Yes

Taking 3 out of 7 vacation days

Yes

Taking only 30 min for lunch when you could take 45

Yes

Taking professional development courses

Yes

Volunteer

You may have a lot of work on your plate when beginning your new job. Remember to take on your projects at a reasonable pace so you can do your best work on them. You don't want to try to do too many things at once and compromise the quality of your work. Doing too much work at once can also cause you to burn out quickly. But make sure you are doing your fair share.

Section 1 Review

You've reached the end of Section 1. Let's take a moment to review information covered in this section. You want to get off on the right foot at your new job. The first thing you should do is set up a meeting with your manager. In the meeting with your manager, discuss what is expected of you. Listen to the expectations and do your best to meet--and even exceed--them. Discuss how your success will be measured in the company. Ask if there are mistakes you can avoid when starting out. Clarify timelines for projects so you don't turn work in late. Ask if there are any people you should be sure to meet in the first days or weeks at the company.

Section 2 Review

You've reached the end of Section 2. Let's take a moment to review information covered in this section. Taking responsibility is an important way to get off on the right foot in your new position. Own mistakes that you make, learn from them and try not to make the same ones again. Be proactive and make things happen in your new job. Volunteer to help others with their work duties once you feel comfortable doing so. Help coworkers in need to establish relationships with them. Have a great work ethic from day one to show that you are a valuable and dedicated employee. Be honest in all that you do. Don't cover up your mistakes. Honesty is the best policy.

Section 3 Review

You've reached the end of Section 3. Let's take a moment to review information covered in this section. Following company rules and policies is a crucial part of job-keeping. Be punctual for work and meetings. Show up early and don't take advantage of company time. Meet and exceed the expectations set for you. Study the employee handbook as best you can. Know the rules and stick to them. Observe coworkers and follow their lead. Don't, however, imitate questionable actions. Stay within the boundaries when taking sick time, vacation days and even lunch breaks.

Don't _____________ your project timelines.

assume

Ask your manager which mistakes to________.

avoid

If you associate with negative people, you will ___________.

be seen as one of them

A good way to avoid gossip in the workplace is to keep _________.

busy

d) Take 45 minutes for lunch

by only taking a 30 min break

What is a good rule of thumb for new employees like the one in the video?

dont assume you know what to do

You have to _________ the respect of your peers.

earn

Clarify your job ____________ with your manager or supervisor.

expectations

You should know exactly what you are doing the first time you do it.

false

It can be difficult to ________ in as a new employee.

fit in

Pay attention to your work and _____________ your job expectations.

follow

c) Arrive to meetings on time

getting to the meetings 5 minutes early

Avoid _______ while on the job.

gossip

You should __________ to your supervisor's attention, especially if it is hurting you or the company.

gossip

What should the employee do on his next project?

listen to the suggestions his peers and supervisor make

What should the employee have done?

listened to the experience employee and asked his supervisor for ideas

Ask your _________________ how success will be measured.

manager

It is okay to make a __________.

mistake

Don't ask for more ____________ quite yet.

more job responsibilities

Ask for _______ of people you should meet.

names

Avoid _______ people in the workplace as much as possible.

negative

It is important to arrive ______ to work.

on time

Let go of the _________ when beginning a new job.

past

Decide to be a _________ role model for others.

positive

It's important to choose ________ peers with whom you'll associate.

positive

Keep a ___________ attitude in the midst of challenges.

positive

Try to say only ________ things about others at work.

positive

Being _________ involves making things happen on your own, not waiting to be told what to do.

proactive

Don't ask for a _______ in this first meeting.

raise

When you start a new job, you need to discuss how your manager measures success for that job. Which of the following would be a good measure of success for a sales position?

sell a minimum of $50,000.00 per month

e) Show up to work on time

showing up work early

You need to practice ____________ to get your priorities in order.

time management

The best working relationships are built on respect and _______.

trust

When you start a new job it is important to build positive working relationships. Positive working relationships are based on _________________.

trust and respect

b) Turn in projects on Fridays

turning in projects on Thursday

You want to show up on time to show that you ________ your job.

value

You should discuss _______ at work.

work

Showing up for work on time Getting projects done on time Offering to help others Asking for additional projects and responsibilities Being a valued member of the team These are all examples of a good_________.

work ethic