Starting or started a new job recently? what’s the vibe in the office like? 

Does everyone seem super Friendly and casual? Does this make you feel like you should immediately open up about yourself with your newly found work family?

DON’T DO IT!! BIG MISTAKE!!!

This might seem very tempting, especially because of how some work environments are structured, to divulge too much about yourself too soon, and even more so if you have an open personality.

There’s a lot to be said for learning to keep things a mystery! Stop trying to fit in too quickly and invest time when you join a new team, etc in studying your colleagues.

Haven’t you ever wondered why you get put on probation when you start a new position? it is in order for your new employer to decide if you are a right fit; likewise, you should also use that period to find out more about your new work environment and colleagues. This will help you decide if it’s indeed a right fit for you.

Talk less, listen more

TIPS:

Find out their boundaries in how they relate with each other

• What are off limits? even at social gatherings?
• What’s the tone of the Conversation when certain colleagues are absent/present? 

Find out what the dispute resolution procedures are

• What happens when complaints are made? are things followed up? disciplinary measures?
• How do they react in a crisis? Are they team builders or self builders?

These are things worth finding out early before you get too comfortable in that new chair  

Stay on top of everything!

• Resist the temptation to start being tardy or dressing less appropriate because others do it

Your journey and theirs are different. Remember you started that job alone! so there’s no need becoming dependent on someone else’s work patterns

If on a rare occasion you are running late, make sure to alert the appropriate person and if you can, bring in an appropriate treat (everyone loves donuts, don’t they?)

• Meet your deadlines – try and set deadlines earlier than the official ones so you are always on top of things

• Make sure your new job aligns with the goals you set out for yourself at the start of the year

keep your goals in mind all the time. If things stop fitting or aligning then you know its time to consider a move

Get with the program

• Don’t criticise the way things are done (professionally) or start comparing the approach to other places you may have worked

• If you have chosen to be there, show your willingness to learn their way of doing things by asking the right people the right questions, and being patient

Already in too deep?

Here are a few tips you could try moving forward

• Start being diplomatic in how you relate with colleagues

Keep your conversations light and neutral. Steer away from private information about yourself, your previous employer(s), relationships etc

You can actually find and curate your own arsenal of work appropriate topics and stick to it

• Discourage inappropriate behaviour – this is subjective and could range from greeting styles, conversations or other triggers ?

Be polite but firm in communicating the things you are not comfortable with

Keep in mind that things can easily get misconstrued, and the longer you work with the same group of people, the easier it gets for people to start accepting things and not putting an early stop to it

This might however mean that you have less work friends? But remember you didn’t apply to the position to be friends with everyone but to do a job. so, don’t lose focus

• If all else fails, consult your employee handbook and follow the procedure(s) set out in it or trade union representative or other authority to assist you in the process

Hopefully this helps

Feel free to share your experiences and tips in the comment section of how you’ve dealt with work place politics, bad habits, etc

Be enlightened