Workability
Handle new job with care
I.M. Soni

As a fresher at a new workplace, do you have that feeling of butterflies in the stomach? Well, it gives you advantage. A newcomer has a space of initial goodwill. No one looks upon you as a rival or a threat to his position. You will find almost every one, offering guidance, help and information. Some do-gooder may even go to the extent of doing work for you!

However, do not take this offer as a cue to swallow big chunks of his time. Use your own resourcefulness. It is your own job to find out what you are supposed to do and the best ways of accomplishing it.

It is not necessary for you to run to the boss every time you come up against a difficulty. However, you may take a colleague into confidence, discuss your problem with him, and know your area of operation.

Learn as soon as you can the exact and precise nature of your work. This will be easier to achieve if you know the nature of work of your colleagues, too. This avoids conflict.

You think that you have had a brilliant academic career. You need not cultivate anyone. Thus you strut about as a swollen head. This goes against you. This will elicit adverse reactions. Some will make cutting remarks and puncture your inflated image of your own self.

There is a fund of goodwill for every beginner in almost every office. If you are well prepared and know the art of dealing with people, you will cash on this goodwill.

Cultivate and display courtesy and humility. These two words should be your guiding stars whatever your academic record.

Some smart newcomers break the rules right in the first few days of their entry and then plead ignorance of the rules. Therefore, it is essential to acquaint yourself with the office rules.

Be particular about the timing. Do not leave off work frequently on flimsy grounds. Be sure of the rules and various breaks. As of unwritten conventions, follow them honestly and scrupulously. Do not expect an organisation to change its character to accommodate you. It is bigger then any individual.

Your actions, words and behaviour are being watched. Make it known that you like your work and that you are conscientious, reliable and cooperative. That you have initiative and are willing to shoulder responsibility.

Your ability to smile when asked to perform extra work will endear you to those who matter. It also shows that you are no shirker.

Take pride in your work. Find in work a deep satisfaction, stemming from the feeling that what you are doing is worthwhile, that it contributes to the success of your organisation. Do something extra connected with your assigned work.

Do not mix personal problems with the job. Try to keep from blaming your job for troubles you brought along from home. The important thing is not to make a personal problem a job-problem. It brings you no closer to solving it, and may result in more trouble.

Problems at the workplace are inevitable. There are colleagues who carry tales, are jealous or have other serious personality shortcomings. You cannot brush aside these obstacles nor can you wish away people’s ill nature.

Be tactful. Have a sense of humour. Learn to live with people, as they are friends as well as foes.

Strive not to be the blue-eyed boy of the boss. You will create more enemies than you can cope with.

Carry out directions without a fuss. Learn from criticism rather than putting your heckles up.

You can launch yourself with a neat, good impression, ensuring a smooth sailing for the future. Or a bad impression, creating obstacles for your own self.