A conversation on TED.com: What advice would you give for someone's first week in their new job?

Tarek Seif el nasr
London
United Kingdom

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What advice would you give for someone's first week in their new job?

What type of skills

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Richard St. John's 8 secrets of success

Topics: skills

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Swapnil Kulkarni
- +1
Oct 14 2011: 1) First learn the way, then make your own way!
2) Listen, ask questions, learn and most importantly implement!
Michael M 30+
- +2
Sep 19 2011: Show up.
Be on time.
Be willing to do whatever it is they need for you to do.
Make a place for yourself.
Comment deleted
- Silvia Marinova 20+
  - 0
  Sep 19 2011: I love these ideas. :) Shall do them the next time I have a new job! :D
Bob Shingles 10+
- +4
Sep 19 2011: Showing up early and staying late creates a great lasting impression.

Also do not complain about any task. Negativity breeds more negativity.
- Debra Smith 100+
  - +2
  Sep 19 2011: and don't forget to smile.
James Kindler 10+
- +2
Sep 18 2011: Actively listen and speak little.
- Debra Smith 100+
  - +2
  Sep 18 2011: Exactly what I was about to say James and just give you a thumbs up but I am out of them for you!
  
  I once read a book that was by a CEO called something like the First 100 days. It said that anyone new to a job (in that case CEO) should watch, listen and learn for the first 100 days before making a single change in an organization. The temptation is to always put your own stamp on a new job but it is not the best move. There is an entire culture that you cannot know about until you have experienced it.
  
  Good luck in your new job Tarek!
  - Bob Shingles 10+
    
    +2
    Sep 19 2011: When I first began my first real career based job, my manager did want me to listen but she also encourage a lot of feedback in terms of how to better improve operations. Unlike other managers, this one sought different viewpoints to ensure that the dept. remained flexible which is important when working with technology.
    
    It is important to listen but also important to understand (ask) what management wants from their staff.
    - Debra Smith 100+
      
      0
      
      Sep 19 2011: Nice addition Bob, thanks.
- Bob Shingles 10+
  - +1
  Sep 19 2011: Actively listening is good but speaking little can be either good or bad.
  
  Some managers want to see some initiative from their employees.
  
  Keeping in mind it is better to not provide protests against a final decision.