How to Protect Your Interests in a New Company
- 1). Make sure you understand management's expectations regarding your position. Plan to meet with your managers frequently to discuss what is expected of you. Take the initiative and request progress meetings if your company doesn't automatically plan for them. Ask your superiors to assess your performance and make suggestions for improvements. This input will not only help you do a better job, but it also will help convey a sincere conscientiousness toward your contribution as an employee.
- 2). Don't be afraid to play the game to protect your interests. Most people think of office politics as nasty gossip and troublemakers who scheme to get promoted over those better qualified. "But the people who quietly succeed at work are also political operators; they just do it better," says BNET.com.
Align yourself with the essential workers in your new company. Support their suggestions and project ideas at meetings and during opportunities to give feedback to management. Offer them your assistance with important projects. By gaining the respect of the essential workers in your new company, you will gain important supporters to help protect your interests. - 3). Learn the culture of your new company. Assess how your co-workers interpret the dress code. Take note of the level of conservatism in the firm or how talkative people seem to be while working. According to a survey by Robert Half International, "failing to adapt to a firm's corporate culture," is one of management's biggest complaints. Protect your interests by observing your company's culture carefully and doing your best to integrate yourself into the new company.
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