Three steps to workplace success
So many people make three big mistakes starting at a new workplace or joining a project. Here are three steps to succeed in your new team:
Seek and accept wisdom and experience
People who have been with a group for some time know all the reasons for all sorts of procedures, methods, and recurring tasks. They know why these things need to be done, and they know the consequences if they are not performed the same way. That said, these same people know all the challenges of existing processes and the ridiculous reasons they started doing things a strange way long ago.
Asking questions and understanding why things are done the way as early as possible allows you to freely question if things make sense and if you can make any improvements as a new person. “I know I’m new here, but do we really need to do X? Would it save our group some time if that was not a necessary step?” The longer you’re there, the harder it is to ask these questions.
Alternatively, challenging and demanding changes for no good reason is a great way to isolate yourself in your work environment. Imagine a group working really hard to come up with a great new process that is saving tons of time yet a new person to the team makes you go back to a less-organized process. You can learn from people who’ve been there.
Do reliable, great work
Obviously, if you do great work, you’re going to be a successful member of a team. Deliver what you promise. Go the extra mile to exceed expectations, and solving problems quickly make you a valuable resource.
Unreliable team members are not trusted. Reliable team members have happier colleagues that lead to more career growth opportunities in the future.
Get attention
If you do great work and no one notices, no one will know. I know many colleagues that work well, get it done, and are extraordinarily quiet. If you’re looking for more high-profile projects, and support for pay increases and higher-profile positions, people need to know who you are. If you’re interested in “staying where you are”, then obviously no need, but if you do great work, try showing some confidence!
Obviously do not become a jerk or act arrogant, but just make it clear when things went really well:
- I finished ___ two weeks ahead of schedule
- Do you have something else I can get started on? All my list of tasks is complete.
- Sure, I’d love to do ____. I’ve done that before and I’m pretty quick.
A great example of this that I love to use is professional wrestling. In wrestling, you have characters that need to get “over” with the crowd as quickly as possible. The sooner they are popular, the sooner they can be booked in high-profile matches. How do they do it? They introduce characters who talk themselves up really well, and then they verify their claims by actually doing really well (doing great work). This makes it really easy for the audience – “He says he’s the best – I’ll pay attention to see if he really is that good.”
Apply this effectively
- Seek and accept wisdom and experience
- Do reliable, great work
- Get attention
Learn from others, do amazing work, and politely make sure people are aware of your success.