One of the Yahoo Groups that I belong to is currently right smack in the middle of a storm, ergo, this post.
I was never an active part of that group, not because I find the group not worth my time but because, since it is a professional group, I feel I should share my thoughts only if I am 100% sure that what I have to share is correct. Unfortunately, some members of the group went overboard and started harassing (in my opinion) some of the forum members. It was quite sad because newer members of the forum felt that there is some hostility in the forum and that you cannot just outright express what you feel. So I've decided to write down some things that a newbie should keep in mind when it's their first time to work:
- Observe people first before expressing what you feel. Shooting from the hip is never a good thing especially if you are new. People would see you as impulsive and some of them might not be forgiving.
- Office Romance is never a good thing ESPECIALLY if you are in HR. Been there, done that. People would use that against you and no matter what you do, people would see it as a biased move.
- Research, research, research. Do not face your boss ill-prepared especially when you are presenting reports. Make sure every figure in your report, every sentence has a justification. Do not just say "survey says". Quote the source.
- Ask. If you do not know what to do, it is better to ask your boss than try to work on things you know nothing about. Ask your boss first before anybody else. It is disrespectful to skip your boss.
- If it concerns work, your boss should know about it. That way, no matter what happens, your boss can cover for you.
- If you're not happy with what you're doing, leave. This might not be the best thing to do but you would cause more damage if you continue working on something half-heartedly. Forget pride, forget revenge. If you are not happy with your office mates, with your salary, with your boss, with your company's culture, and you are sure that you cannot do anything about it, leave.
- Do not stagnate. Look for trainings that you can attend, read a book, browse web sites,join groups or fora.
- If you are in HR, the lesser you disclose about your emotions, the lesser chances of employees using that against you. Mingle with them, emphatize with them, get to know how they feel BUT keep your professional distance.
- Give credence to the wisdom of old age without sacrificing your creativity.
- Do not burn bridges. The butt that you kick today might be the same butt that you would need to kiss tomorrow.
