I Got the Job! NOW WHAT?

O.K., I got the job. BUT …

• My cubicle is attached to a swinging door and the constant banging is giving me a headache.
• I only know the boss and no one has introduced themselves.
• On top of that, I have no telephone, no office supplies, my chair is missing a wheel, the computer only works in Linux, and my cubicle is located in the coldest corner of the room.

This is not what I expected. I want to quit. Reality Check This is not what anyone expects, but often it is what we get. We expect a honeymoon period with a new job. Sometimes it only lasts as long as a handshake. We expect our new employer to welcome us and be prepared for us on the first day. The reception a new employee receives varies from company to company depending on who is responsible for welcoming new staff and what is usually done. A good welcome includes a new employee orientation, a “buddy” to take us around the first day and introduce us to others, shows us where the break-room and bathrooms are, and a work-area with the basic supplies. In an ideal situation, the “buddy” will also communicate all the unwritten rules and expectations to you. Clearly, this is not what you got. What happens next is entirely up to you. Your next step will show the world what kind of person you are. What are your options? Quitting If you quit, all the research you did to find a good company will be for naught. The good benefits’ package you discovered at that company will not happen. One day does not make or break a job or a person. So, get a grip. Go Home Sick Going home sick on the first day surely will impress the boss. Yes, you have a headache, but do you really want sickness to be your first impression? It will show the boss that you are a whiner and a quitter. Not a good first impression. You may never recover from this blunder. Even if you never complain again, you will be forever labeled “the complainer.” So, take an analgesic (aspirin/Advil/Tylenol). This is why it is in your briefcase. Make Lemonade Since you can’t get any work done and have some time on your hands, make a list or two. First, list all the repairs needed in your work-area. No one expects you to work with a broken chair or computer or without a telephone. Maybe the boss didn’t know things were broken. Give the benefit of the doubt. When the facilities person arrives to make repairs, sweet-talk them into mitigating the effects of the swinging door, if possible. Remember that seniority usually gets the best cubicle and you are the new kid on the block. Second, list all the reasonable office supplies that you need. If the work-area was vacant prior to your arrival, things probably got pillaged by the people around you. You know how it is: an empty space is fair game for scavenging. Again, give the benefit of the doubt. At the bottom, list the high-end supplies that you need as a wish list. Now, make an appointment to see your boss. When you have your meeting, tell the boss you want to be the best worker you can and to accomplish that you need a few things. Present the repair list with tact and good humor. The boss may be embarrassed about not having checked things out. Someone may have dropped the ball. Don’t blame, don’t complain. Make it easy for people to save face by saying, “everyone is so busy around here.” The boss will appreciate your good attitude and good manners. Now present your supply list. Again, use tact. Don’t complain; say something like, “I know at my old office, the empty desk always got raided for supplies.” When pointing out the high-end items, say that they “would be helpful,” and describe how they’d help your performance. You don’t know what the department’s budget is for these things and you don’t want to look like a prima donna who can’t work with the basics. Now that the hard part is over, ask the boss who the best person would be to be your “buddy.” Explain that you don’t want to monopolize the boss’ time, but on the other hand, you don’t really feel comfortable going around and introducing yourself. You think a “buddy” to ease the way would be a good solution. The boss will probably jump on this idea and even make that first introduction for you. If that doesn’t happen, you are a grown up. Introduce yourself. A Class Act You have shown yourself to be a resourceful self-starter. You were assertive and got things done in a non-confrontational manner. You provided solutions, not problems. You have shown yourself to be someone it would be nice to have in the cubicle next door. This may also get you a better cubicle. Until then, bring a warm sweater to wear. Let me know how you are dealing with a new job. Share your experiences in the comments section. Or, send me an email to eal@EALCoaching.com . I’d love to know what you are doing to stay positive in a new environment. A dream with a plan is a goal. A goal without a plan is just a dream. Warmly, Elisabeth Elisabeth Adler-Lund Executive And Life Coaching Telephone: 916 • 803•1494 E-mail: eal@EALCoaching.com