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Truth 4. Take Ownership of Your Job Without Stepping on Toes
Forty years ago Robert Ardrey, writing about the
“territorial imperative,” amazed readers by showing that
humans are no less territorial than animals and birds when
it comes to staking out our “turf.” We may not bite
strangers, urinate on streetlamps or tunefully sing our
claims to territory, and particularly not in the office, but
we do like others to be clear who we are, what we know, and
where our influence lies.
When starting a new job, it’s important that you sense out
and claim your ‘territory’: the tasks, issues and decisions
that you are responsible for, and the way in which you do
them. However, in proving yourself, you must take care not
to step on anyone else’s toes. This is a time for
establishing working relationships with others, not making
enemies. In any new job, there will be many other people who
have been there longer then you, and who have a view about
how things should be done. You need to find a balance
between showing them respect, and convincing them to cede
control to you so that you can make your mark.
A key first step is to get a sense of the organizational
culture - the various collective habits that make up the way
in which the company operates – and work to fit in with it.
Do people chat while they are working or not? Do they go out
to lunch, or do they eat at their desks? Do they visit
others when they have a question, or send an email? When you
notice how all these little things are done and follow suit
you are less disruptive as a newcomer and less likely to
provoke resentment.
Fill your calendar with meetings and conversations when
you’re new, engaging with as many people as possible. Don’t
expect others to come to you. Introduce yourself, and ask
them questions about their role and their opinions on
important matters. But wait until you have something
concrete to discuss before you ask for time with very busy
people, so that they don’t feel that you are wasting their
time.
Some toes are more sensitive than others. There are two
groups of people around whom you should tread particularly
carefully: those who in any way consider your work part of
their own territory, such as the person who held your job
title, or worked up the project, before your arrival, and
those directly below you in the hierarchy, who may feel that
they know more than you, and maybe even have wanted your
job. In both cases, make initial communication as neutral as
possible. Ask these people open-ended questions, resisting
the temptation to offer your own opinion unless requested.
Treat them and their opinions with respect. Respecting an
opinion does not mean that you have to follow it. You just
need to take it into account.
As a new comer, you should always start from what is already
there. Before you change things, listen to others and be
gracious. No matter how much of an expert you are, and even
if you’ve been brought in for your talents, you still need
to make sure that you keep others in the loop, and respect
their ways of doing things. |
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