The Official Blog of Benifys HR Solutions

Don’t gossip or move in too fast

Gossip is not a discussion, it is personal, it is in most cases offending and it is definitely not your business. Sure it might help you to get into the ‘scene’ faster, but just think about it. Is that the kind of image you wish to project in the early stages in the organizations? Why not let your work speak for you instead? Also, avoid painting the cubicle with your favorite color, or bringing in your ‘stuff’ on the very first day; you might want to take it easy considering YOU are moving into THEIR turf.


Don’t stay in your Shell

Conflicting with the point above you say? Not really. It’s true that some of us are more comfortable opening up to people than the others, but you must make a conscious effort to hear and be heard, for it is very easy to be tagged ‘not a team player’. If nothing comes to mind, ask people what they do – this solves two purposes (a) People see you as someone who is inquisitive and wants to learn, and (b) You get brownie points because everybody loves talking about themselves and their work!


Don’t talk about your previous employer

You could talk about what work you did while your time there instead. Nobody appreciates when you badmouth your previous employer, for the obvious reason that you could do the same thing to your current employer if and when you decide to jump the boat. Interestingly, singing praises about your ex-employer does not help much either, why? “Why don’t you go back and work with them if you like them so much”, that’s why!


Don’t over promise and under deliver

This is where expectation management comes in, don’t try to volunteer for everything (read: don’t get coffee at meetings) or try to be inhumanly efficient, it will backfire and you will be expected to keep that pace from then on to eternity. Instead focus your energies on being more aware as to what is happening around you – understand team dynamics, characteristics of team members, organizational culture. Take your time, under promise and over deliver.


Other things we thought we should mention, listed in no particular order:

• Don’t ask for leave
• Don’t break rules
• Don’t come in with a hangover
• Don’t butter up excessively
• Don’t argue or criticize