In whatever position you join, you need to understand that you were hired basis your competencies and because someone felt, that you are the right person for the job and most probably you are being paid at least 20% more than the person you are replacing. You also need to understand that you are expected to do that much more, opines Preeyan, in the weekly column. A Different Truths exclusive.

Most of us who take up a new job is replacing someone. Very few of us get to move into a role, which has been created for us. In this write-up I would like to give a few directions I believe, based on my experience, will help you gain acceptance and settle in as soon as possible to help you succeed in becoming an integral part of a new team.

There are a few things that we, as humans, generally tend to do in a new place, we try to imitate, impress and sometimes intimidate to try to fit ourselves in, this may not always work. The more positive approach is to initiate, indulge and collaborate to make a better impression and make your presence felt.

In whatever position you join, you need to understand that you were hired basis your competencies and because someone felt, that you are the right person for the job and most probably you are being paid at least 20% more than the person you are replacing. You also need to understand that you are expected to do that much more. So, what used to be called the honeymoon period is no longer that. There are expectations from day one, and you need to be always ahead of the curve and exceed expectations. This will help you get a strong hold on what you have got into.

Sometimes when we think of all this, it sounds almost unrealistic, as there are a lot of external factors that come in the way. This is when you stick to your basics of management, basics of dealing with new people and stay grounded.

A tree grows root first and then it keeps adding leaves as much as it may require. Similarly, you need to set your roots right, the first root is to get acquainted with people, that’s why I said initiate. You be the first to always initiate a conversation, this will help you get your ears on the ground. And the faster you can do this with more people in your team, your success is assured. Your intentions should concentrate on initiating the relations you are going to have with your team.

As your acquaintance increases, you start indulging into the day to day issues at work, there are a lot of things you can learn by jumping in the deep end of the pond than just wetting your feet at the shore. Your indulgence has to be involvement, not interference. It is a very thin line separating the two of them, so be very careful whilst dealing with such situations, let the other person feel that you are a support and not a burden. This helps in bonding well with the team as well. The team starts to feel that you are a strength to the team and not a burden, most newcomers are looked at as a burden, as they have to spend time teaching that person and they are not sure of their understanding. Yes, the company will invest in getting you inducted and sometimes may not. It is important that you play your part. Playing your part involves a lot of self-learning, and that means motivating yourself to do a lot more. During this period, there will be a lot of comments you hear about the person you replaced, like ‘this person was like this’, ‘He/she would do it this way’ etc. etc. Please do not let that influence you and just do things your way. Have your own way of creating an impression.

The position you are in, be it senior or junior, always try to make inclusive decisions, which means discuss and decide, even if you have a decision in mind, it is always good to do some small discussion sessions with people who will be involved with you, get them to agree with your point of view, this is what I meant by collaboration. People will start liking you because you make them feel important and that importance is what anyone craves for. Give it to them in small doses, it will help you establish a great relationship.

These are just my point of view and has helped me adapt and blend in with new setups and teams. It is just a matter of mindset and staying open and approachable. Those who have difficulty can come over it by accepting and talking about it. Once in this zone, you can really work things out well with other people. The only way you can really know if these works are when you try it.

Just do it. Stay happy.

Cheers!

©Preeyan Abraham

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Preeyan Abraham

Preeyan Abraham is a HR professional. He loves travelling and all the little intricacies that it brings. A foodie, he enjoys cooking for relaxation. A movie buff and music lover, he appreciates simple things in life. He comes from a mix of religious backgrounds that has helped him appreciate all the good things of what all religions have to see. He looks at life as a platform created to perform and give the best.

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