Dos & Don'ts Upon Taking a New Job

Al Casey's Rules for Success

SOME DO'S AND DON'TS UPON TAKING A NEW JOB -- (NOT IN ANY ORDER OF PRIORITY) -- ALL ARE IMPORTANT

1. If you want to get ahead in this world become a highly-concerned observer of the passing scene.

2. LISTEN, LISTEN, LISTEN -- don't try to show off your knowledge -- it will become known as you use it -- if your mouth is open you are not learning.

3. Mentally challenge everything -- not vocally -- particularly the assumptions that you are built into the situation.

4. Really listen to your peers -- get them to like you -- they are your best resource.

5. Do all possible to help your boss raise his/her status.

6. Develop a business plan for every assignment you are given -- allocate your time and resources -- develop calendar checkpoints.

7. Your availability is your most important asset -- it should be directed up, down, and sideways.

8. Work at giving the perception and the fact that you are aware of the feelings and goals of others.

9. On entering a new situation, get an organization chart of your department showing names and responsibilities of your peers -- walk the halls and let others see you.

10. Ask for help and show that you appreciate it, is the best way to make friends.

11. Do not try to impress others by relating your educaion, travels, or accomplishments -- they will all become known in time.

12. Do what you say you will do -- if you can't, let that be known.

13. Your first assignment is to become part of the team and not its leader.

14. Be early and stay late -- do not plan any social luncheons for the first six months.

Perhaps I'm not the target market since I work in a tech company and value creativity and passion, but it would take me all of a few days to run away from a company that had these values. Especially those that tell you to be agreeable, suck up to authority and to not the rock the boat. For example: don't share your knowledge and shut up; mentally challenge yourself but don't let people know what you're thinking; get people to like you; become a 'part' of a team; do everything you can to give your boss a higher status; be seen in the corridors and stay late but don't be too social by having lunch with people...

This is horribly disrespectful and a sure-fire way of hurting innovation and making everything political. I understand nobody wants arrogant employees that don't respect the team, but people should be hired because of the talent and experience they bring a company. They should be hired to help improve a company and not forced into being cogs in a machine. Let them be human; they should be respectful and participative members of your company, not passive slaves!

Hire people because you respect them and want to see them use their past experiences and talent to help you. Care about the fresh opinions they bring to your organisation and respect them for this. Help them to take ownership of their thoughts and participate fully in the company. Help them to grow the confidence to take control of their lives in and out of work.

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