I’ve always affirmed that my background in education was an experience that will continue to lend itself greatly to the big, bad world of business. I have experience relating, leading, speaking, molding, and developing. And I refuse to give up. My goal is to persevere, to ensure that if someone else can’t put their finger on the solution, I will. The reality is: I can talk the talk all day, but when push comes to shove, can I walk the walk?
That’s the question I continue to ask myself during my transition from the classroom to the workroom; and, even though I’m confident in my abilities, I’m still adjusting.
If you’re in the midst of a career change, or even a job change, here are some tips to help ease the process of getting acclimated:
Watch, listen, learn, apply. Observe your co-workers (but don’t be creepy about it). Notice how they dress, how they communicate, the type of lingo they use, and start following suit! Your co-workers reflect the company’s brand; the brand that you need to not only embrace but live. The sooner you can pick up on these things, the sooner you’ll start feeling like part of the team. This will also help you become more proactive versus reactive. You’ll begin to develop a sense of what is expected from the start of an idea to the execution and follow up.
Don’t get discouraged. Every day is going to present new challenges. Instead of doubting yourself, leverage each challenge as a learning experience. Whether learning a new skill set or learning to thrive in a new environment, you are still learning. If you feel yourself getting frustrated or upset, do a reset. Take a few minutes to step away from what you’re doing, take a walk or get some fresh air, and refocus. Your to-do list will still be there when you return. It’s going to take time to find your groove. So until you do, find a balance to avoid burning out.
Ask questions. This is extremely important! Don’t assume anything. It’s better to ask questions and gain clarity than to have to backtrack because you guessed wrong. Don’t be afraid to ask questions if you didn’t quite get it the first time, or to follow up with more questions.
Be reflective. When something goes awry, or you have a minor slip up (or two), consider what you could have done differently to improve the outcome. If you’re not sure how you could’ve approached the task differently, then ask a co-worker who might be able to provide insight and guide your thinking. Most importantly, don’t shy away from outwardly asking, “how did I do?” It shows you not only care about doing things well, but that you’re growing in the process too.
Request assistance. There is no shame in asking for help. New or not, sometimes we all just need a lending hand. Simply ask for help if you’re overwhelmed, a little confused, or down right clueless. Here’s the catch - be intentional in your ask! Be specific about what it is that you need help with; because, this is help, not a handoff. You still have to own what you’re doing; just be clear about the support you need.
Find a confidant. Find a person, or two, whom you connect with. This person can help get you through tough tasks and even tougher days. This is not a person to spill your personal life to, but rather a person who can provide support, empathy, some humor, and direction as you grow in your role.
You’re not going to find your footing overnight. The best thing you can do is be patient with yourself, be thoughtful of those around you, keep your chin up, and keep learning. And, if all else fails, fake it till you make it!
Tara Fox is a Project Support Specialist at entreQuest and works closely with all eQ team members to provide employees and clients with remarkable experiences.
