New Year, new job, new team? If you’re starting out the new year by joining a new team, here are a few things to think about to get off on the right foot. A little effort invested now will save you a lot of headache and heartache in the long run.
What to ask the Boss
Building a relationship with a new boss can be really exciting (especially if you’re escaping from a bad boss). But you need to remember that every boss is human and the new boss will have his own quirks and idiosyncrasies. Take the time to build a relationship with your boss. Too many people are nervous around a new boss. Don’t make the mistake of sucking up so much that you miss the chance to build a genuine relationship from the start. Try the following questions:
- What are you counting on me to deliver? What’s the value you need me to add?
- How do you prefer to communicate? When should I check in? What kind of information do you like?
- What doesn’t work for you? How is someone most likely to let you down?
What to ask your Teammates
Relationships with your new teammates will likely run the gamut from fast friends to instant enemies. First, take a deep breath and know that this is just as much about your teammates and their personalities as it is about you. The most common mistake is trying to impress people right out of the gates. Unfortunately, you will probably break a bunch of taboos and annoy people who’ve been around the block a few times. Your best approach is to start by doing more listening than talking. What can you glean about them? What makes each teammate tick? How can you adapt your style to make things a little easier? Try these questions:
- What is your role on the team? How do you see our roles intersecting?
- How do you like to work? How can I collaborate effectively with you?
- What do I need to know to be successful on this team?
What to ask Yourself
It sounds funny, but it’s important to have a similar conversation with yourself when you start on a new team. The purpose is to capture your state of mind and your aspirations for your new role and your new team before they are diluted by the deluge of work. Keep a note of these things somewhere (maybe in a file with your performance objectives) and revisit them after you’ve been in the job for 3 months.
- What made me want to take this role? What was I hoping for when I joined this team?
- What do I need to make this a fulfilling experience? How will I get my needs met?
- What would make me stressed-out? How will I manage my stress before it has a negative impact?
Starting in a new job is both exciting and anxiety-provoking. Try to relax and be genuine. Make an honest effort to meet the needs of your teammates and your boss and never feel sheepish about advocating to get your needs met too. Ask these important questions, act on the answers, and you’ll get off on the right foot in your new team.
For more on how to talk about your needs and style with teammates, you can also use my “Owner’s Manual Worksheet”
The School of Sun Tzu – articulating the instructions of Ping-fa in a number of areas, is much less collaborative and far more rigorous and focused on mission, mandate and results than what you suggest here. Having managed hundreds of teams, I’m less concerned about member motivation than what the organization needs.