Navigating Workplace Culture
When ever I start a new job, I almost immediately start second-guessing the decision to leave my last job. Did I make a mistake? What is the culture REALLY like at the new place? Did they tell me the “real” story during the interview and selection process?
Workplace culture is rarely discussed in detail and people perceive the job environment in different ways. Even if it is mentioned in an interview, it is being presented through the eyes of the interviewer, which may or may not be the actual case.
Since you are now in the new position, you can relieve your anxiety by concentrating on building relationships within this company. Make it a point to meet as many colleagues as you can. Do a lot of listening and observe to whom people go for advice. Watch “how they do things around the office.” Practice workplace etiquette such as being appreciative, positive, being a team player and doing what you say you will do.
You can learn a lot from watching. Observe how conflicts are handled and see how they are resolved. Find out if you feel comfortable with that. What about the sense of cooperation? Do co-workers help each other or is everyone out for themselves? These are things you learn once you’ve been on the job a while. You can also request a meeting with your boss to ask for a mentor to help you feel comfortable more quickly.
It may be that this new job won’t be for you. But consider why you left your last job too. Before changing jobs again, make a list of things that are important to you, which could be conflict resolution, training opportunities, or how competitive the environment is and make sure you ask those types of questions during the interview. Make sure you understand the vision of the company to determine if it is compatible with your beliefs.
