The role of an employee who is new to an organization
Assume the role of an employee who is new to an organization that provides family preservation and family reunification services. This is a larger organization than you are used to and there are over 150 professionals on staff!In your previous job, you worked in a smaller and more intimate environment. You are currently feeling a bit lost. You find yourself uncertain about how to prioritize your tasks and unsure if your completed assignments meet the requirements. Your supervisor is busy and not particularly good about giving constructive feedback. You remain committed to this job and are excited about the career possibilities it will offer.
Share three strategies you would try in order to obtain the guidance and knowledge you need to survive and thrive within this organization.
In response to your peers, provide feedback on your classmate's proposed strategies and share tips to make them more efficient and effective.
Sample Solution
Stepping into a large organization after working in a cozy, familiar environment can feel like entering a new world. The initial excitement can quickly morph into overwhelm, especially when faced with 150+ colleagues and an unclear path forward. But fear not! With the right strategies, you can navigate this maze and not only survive, but thrive in your new role. Here are three strategies I'd employ to gain the guidance and knowledge I need:
**1. ** Become a Network Ninja:
Full Answer Section
- Seek out informal mentors: Don't wait for your supervisor to offer guidance. Look for experienced colleagues within your team or department who are approachable and willing to share their knowledge. Offer to grab coffee or lunch and pick their brains about their work, the organization's culture, and unspoken expectations.
- Join committees or task forces: Volunteering for internal committees or task forces is a fantastic way to get involved, learn from diverse perspectives, and build relationships with colleagues across departments. This can also help you understand the bigger picture of the organization and how your role fits into it.
- Connect with HR: Human Resources can be a valuable resource for onboarding information, company policies, and training opportunities. Don't hesitate to reach out to them with questions or concerns.
- Initiate regular check-ins: Since your supervisor isn't the most forthcoming with feedback, take the initiative to schedule regular check-ins. This could be a quick 15-minute meeting every week or bi-week to discuss your progress, challenges, and areas for improvement. Come prepared with specific questions and action items to maximize the value of these meetings.
- Seek peer feedback: Don't limit yourself to your supervisor. Ask trusted colleagues to review your work and provide constructive feedback. This can be especially helpful for tasks you're unsure about or projects with subjective criteria.
- Embrace learning opportunities: The organization likely offers training programs or workshops. Actively seek out these opportunities to learn new skills, gain deeper insights into your role, and gain a broader understanding of the organization's mission and values.
- Become friends with the internal wiki: Most large organizations have internal wikis or knowledge bases filled with valuable information. Dive deep into these resources to find answers to your questions, learn about internal processes, and gain a better understanding of your role and responsibilities.
- Review past project reports: Ask your colleagues or supervisor for access to past project reports relevant to your work. Studying how similar projects were tackled can provide valuable insights and help you identify potential pitfalls and best practices.
- Develop a personal "cheat sheet": Create a document or mind map that outlines your key responsibilities, deadlines, reporting structures, and contact information for key personnel. This can be a quick reference guide to keep you on track and avoid getting lost in the organizational maze.