{"product_id":"effective-immediately-isbn-9781580089999","title":"Effective Immediately","description":"\u003cb\u003eWhen you’re new to the workforce, ambition and talent aren’t enough—getting on the fast track to success requires much more.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIf you’re a recent college graduate or new hire, \u003ci\u003eEffective Immediately\u003c\/i\u003e shows you how to excel at your first job and jump-start your career. As an up-and-coming professional, you’ll learn how to transform yourself from entry-level employee into skilled, invaluable all-star during your first year on the job.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAccomplished young professional Emily Bennington and her mentor, seasoned manager Skip Lineberg, empower you to: \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e• Establish yourself as a top performer from day one\u003cbr\u003e• Use every task—even grunt work—as an opportunity to shine\u003cbr\u003e• Earn the respect of your boss, colleagues, and clients \u003cbr\u003e• Cope with conflict, mistakes, and toxic coworkers\u003cbr\u003e• Land key assignments and gain greater responsibility \u003cbr\u003e• Manage projects and lead teams like a pro \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePacked with practical advice, useful resources, and wisdom from former newbies, this savvy hand-book gives you the tools, knowledge, and confidence you need to reach your highest potential.CONTENTS\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eAcknowledgments . . . xii\u003cbr\u003eIntroduction . . . 1\u003cbr\u003eA Contract between You and Über-You . . . 3\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePart One\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eGet It Right, Right Out of the Gate\u003c\/b\u003e . . . 5\u003cbr\u003e   1  \/ Conquer Your First Day . . . 6              \u003cbr\u003e               \u003cb\u003eNewbie to Newbie\u003c\/b\u003e . . . 9\u003cbr\u003e   2  \/  Have Patience . . . 10 \u003cbr\u003e   3  \/  Mind Your “-Ilities” . . . 11 \u003cbr\u003e   4  \/ Prepare for the Brain Dump . . . 12\u003cbr\u003e   5  \/ Don’t Expect a Lot of Hand-Holding . . . 14\u003cbr\u003e   6  \/ What You Need to Know in the First Few Weeks . . . 15\u003cbr\u003e   7  \/ A Crash Course in Professional Etiquette . . . 17\u003cbr\u003e   8  \/ Ace Your First Meetings . . . 20               \u003cbr\u003e   9  \/ The Trick to Taking Notes . . . 22\u003cbr\u003e   10  \/    Get the Worm . . . 24\u003cbr\u003e   11  \/    Gen What? . . . 25\u003cbr\u003e               \u003cb\u003eNewbie to Newbie\u003c\/b\u003e . . . 27\u003cbr\u003e   12  \/    Put on Your Game Face . . . 28\u003cbr\u003e   13  \/    Write Makes Might . . . 29\u003cbr\u003e   14  \/    Never Be Afraid to Say “I Don’t Know” . . . 32\u003cbr\u003e   15  \/    The Ultimate Workplace Accessory . . . 33\u003cbr\u003e   16  \/    Say Good-Bye to Casual Friday . . . 34\u003cbr\u003e   17  \/    Buy (and Display) These Books . . . 35\u003cbr\u003e   18  \/    Do More Than You’re Paid For . . . 36\u003cbr\u003e   19  \/    You Put Your What on Facebook? . . . 37\u003cbr\u003e   20  \/    Dining al Desko . . . 39\u003cbr\u003e   21  \/    Flirting at Work: Yes, No, Maybe? . . . 41\u003cbr\u003e               \u003cb\u003eNewbie to Newbie\u003c\/b\u003e . . . 43\u003cbr\u003e   22  \/    Writing a Self-Memo . . . 44\u003cbr\u003e   23  \/    Above All, Care . . . 46\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePart Two\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eScore Major-League Points When You’re Still a Rookie\u003c\/b\u003e . . . 47\u003cbr\u003e   24  \/    One Thing You Should Do Every Friday . . . 48\u003cbr\u003e   25  \/    Beware of Circle Talkers . . . 51\u003cbr\u003e   26  \/    Join Toastmasters . . . 52\u003cbr\u003e   27  \/    Thirteen Ways to Raise Your Profile . . . 54\u003cbr\u003e               \u003cb\u003eNewbie to Newbie\u003c\/b\u003e . . . 59\u003cbr\u003e   28  \/    Turn Grunt Work into Great Work . . . 60\u003cbr\u003e   29  \/    A Note about Thank-You Notes . . . 61\u003cbr\u003e   30  \/    Make Your Work Look Like a Million Bucks . . . 64\u003cbr\u003e   31  \/    Do Feared Things First . . . 66\u003cbr\u003e   32  \/    Don’t Get Caught Up in Downtime . . . 67\u003cbr\u003e   33  \/    Take the Blame and Move On . . . 68\u003cbr\u003e   34  \/    Don’t Let Your Emotions Hold You Back . . . 70\u003cbr\u003e               \u003cb\u003eNewbie to Newbie\u003c\/b\u003e . . . 71\u003cbr\u003e   35  \/    Toot Your Own Horn without Looking Like a Jerk . . . 72\u003cbr\u003e   36  \/    Keep Your Deadlines Realistic . . . 73\u003cbr\u003e   37  \/    Read Ravenously . . . 74\u003cbr\u003e   38  \/    Don’t Miss Your Industry’s Best Conferences . . . 75\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePart Three\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eEarn Unbridled Respect from Your Boss, Colleagues, and Clients\u003c\/b\u003e . . . 77\u003cbr\u003e   39  \/    To Get People to Like You, Like Them . . . 78\u003cbr\u003e   40  \/    Seven Life Lessons in Fifty Words . . . 79\u003cbr\u003e   41  \/    How to Make Your Boss and Coworkers Hate You . . . 80\u003cbr\u003e               \u003cb\u003eNewbie to Newbie\u003c\/b\u003e . . . 81\u003cbr\u003e   42  \/    Embrace Adversity . . . 82\u003cbr\u003e   43  \/    Never Send a Nastygram . . . 84\u003cbr\u003e               \u003cb\u003eNewbie to Newbie\u003c\/b\u003e . . . 87\u003cbr\u003e   44  \/    The Blatant Change of Topic . . . 88\u003cbr\u003e   45  \/    When to Confront a Colleague . . . 91\u003cbr\u003e   46  \/    How to Deal with Difficult Clients . . . 92\u003cbr\u003e   47  \/    How to Handle Conflicts with Clients . . . 94\u003cbr\u003e   48  \/    Protect Yourself against Cynics and Complainers Disease . . . 97\u003cbr\u003e   49  \/    Don’t Be the Slug . . . 98\u003cbr\u003e   50  \/    Ten Things Coworkers Want You to Say . . . 100\u003cbr\u003e   51  \/    If Coworkers Are Avoiding You, It Could Be Because . . . 101\u003cbr\u003e               \u003cb\u003eNewbie to Newbie\u003c\/b\u003e . . . 103\u003cbr\u003e   52  \/    Have a Nice Day . . . 104\u003cbr\u003e   53  \/    What to Do When Personal Tragedy Hits . . . 105\u003cbr\u003e   54  \/    How to Handle Your Boss . . . 107\u003cbr\u003e   55  \/    Things Bosses Love . . . 109\u003cbr\u003e   56  \/    Cope with—and Avoid—Workload Overload . . . 113\u003cbr\u003e   57  \/    Midpoint Check-In . . . 119\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePart Four\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eBuild Career Mojo\u003c\/b\u003e . . . 121\u003cbr\u003e   58  \/    How to Land Key Projects . . . 122\u003cbr\u003e   59  \/    Expect to Be Backstabbed . . . 124 \u003cbr\u003e   60  \/    How to Lead Your Own Meetings . . . 127\u003cbr\u003e   61  \/    The Best Way to Follow Up After a Meeting . . . 131\u003cbr\u003e   62  \/    How to Minimize Unnecessary Meetings . . . 132\u003cbr\u003e               \u003cb\u003eNewbie to Newbie\u003c\/b\u003e . . . 134\u003cbr\u003e   63  \/    How to Write a First-Class Article . . . 135\u003cbr\u003e   64  \/    How to Create a Work Plan . . . 138\u003cbr\u003e   65  \/    How to Create a Timeline . . . 140\u003cbr\u003e   66  \/    How to Create a Budget . . . 142\u003cbr\u003e   67  \/    Mega Project Management . . . 145 \u003cbr\u003e   68  \/    Don’t Stop at No . . . 154\u003cbr\u003e   69  \/    You Will Never Be Completely Caught Up . . . 157\u003cbr\u003e   70  \/    Plot Your Next Move . . . 158\u003cbr\u003e               \u003cb\u003eNewbie to Newbie\u003c\/b\u003e . . . 161\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePart Five\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eDevelop a Killer Edge\u003c\/b\u003e . . . 163\u003cbr\u003e   71  \/    You Are CEO of Y.O.U. . . . 164\u003cbr\u003e   72  \/    Specialize! . . . 167\u003cbr\u003e   73  \/    Find Your Inner Gene Kelly . . . 168\u003cbr\u003e   74  \/    Make Time for Your Power Hour . . . 170\u003cbr\u003e   75  \/    Cluttered Desk = Cluttered Mind . . . 171\u003cbr\u003e   76  \/    How to Obtain Real Business Insight . . . 172\u003cbr\u003e   77  \/    Connect the Dots . . . 176\u003cbr\u003e   78  \/    Become a Student of the World . . . 178\u003cbr\u003e               \u003cb\u003eNewbie to Newbie\u003c\/b\u003e . . . 179\u003cbr\u003e   79  \/    Seriously Grow Your Network . . . 181\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePart Six\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eBecome a Skilled, Nontoxic Leader\u003c\/b\u003e . . . 185\u003cbr\u003e   80  \/    You’ll Never Lead People Who Don’t Respect You . . . 186\u003cbr\u003e   81  \/    The Leadership Test . . . 187\u003cbr\u003e   82  \/    Avoid Decision Making by Committee . . . 189\u003cbr\u003e   83  \/    Share the Spotlight . . . 190\u003cbr\u003e   84  \/    Let People Learn for Themselves . . . 191\u003cbr\u003e   85  \/    Be Strict about Deadlines . . . 192\u003cbr\u003e   86  \/    Give Back . . . 193\u003cbr\u003e   87  \/    Exit Gracefully . . . 194\u003cbr\u003e               \u003cb\u003eNewbie to Newbie\u003c\/b\u003e . . . 197\u003cbr\u003e   88  \/    Final Self-Assessment . . . 199\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eEpilogue . . . 200\u003cbr\u003eIndex . . . 202\u003cbr\u003eAbout the Authors . . . 207\u003cbr\u003eAbout College Summit . . . 209“Effective Immediately will teach you what you didn’t learn in college.”\u003cbr\u003e—Jim Pawlak, business book reviewer for \u003ci\u003eThe Dallas Morning News\u003c\/i\u003e, 5\/2\/10\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“For recent graduates accustomed to giving teachers exactly what’s expected, the challenge of a workplace may be daunting. That’s why it would be useful for college presidents to hand out \u003ci\u003eEffective Immediately\u003c\/i\u003e to their students along with the diplomas. Co-authors Emily Bennington and Skip Lineberg tell readers how to make their mark early on.”\u003cbr\u003e—Leslie Whitaker, Content That Works \u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e“This is a book with brevity, energy and wit likely to appeal to newbies in the career maze.” \u003cbr\u003e—Joyce Lain Kennedy, Tribune Media Services \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“The perfect resource to help college graduates launch a successful career.”\u003cbr\u003e—Brad Smith, president and chief executive officer, Intuit\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“A no-nonsense guide to maintaining a powerful presence at work that yields extraordinary results and keeps you ahead of the pack.”\u003cbr\u003e—Dan Schawbel, personal branding expert and author of \u003ci\u003eMe 2.0\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“Grads will learn a lot and have a few good laughs in the process.”\u003cbr\u003e—Alexandra Levit, author of \u003ci\u003eNew Job, New You\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“This book is filled with invaluable wisdom from authors who have led and inspired others. It’s that increasingly rare book—written with respect for our time with brevity, clarity, energy, and wit. What more could a reader ask for?”\u003cbr\u003e—Harry Beckwith, bestselling author of \u003ci\u003eSelling the Invisible \u003c\/i\u003eand \u003ci\u003eYou, Inc.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e“\u003ci\u003eEffective Immediately \u003c\/i\u003eshows recent college graduates how to be key players at work by providing them with the necessary tools to successfully manage their professional image, their relationships with coworkers and their boss, and ultimately their career trajectory.”\u003cbr\u003e—Shawn Graham, director of MBA Career Services, University of Pittsburgh, and author of \u003ci\u003eCourting Your Career\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e“An essential resource for young professionals that bridges the gap between what you can’t learn in college—and what you need to know to succeed on the job.”\u003cbr\u003e—Gaston Caperton, president, the College Board, creator of the SAT and Advanced Placement Program\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e“This book packs a wallop of practical wisdom for young rookies determined to make it to the all-stars.”\u003cbr\u003e—Robyn Waters, author of \u003ci\u003eThe Trendmaster’s Guide \u003c\/i\u003eand \u003ci\u003eThe Hummer and the Mini\u003c\/i\u003eA protégée and her mentor, Emily Bennington and Skip Lineberg help recent graduates bridge the gap between college and the workforce. Motivated by the premise that free coffee shouldn’t be the sole highlight of a newbie’s workday, Emily and Skip regularly host seminars on career success. Both authors live in Charleston, West Virginia. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDuring her first years in the workforce, Emily Bennington helped manage a successful Supreme Court Justice race and became the spokesperson for a business that was under intense public scrutiny. After navigating such sink-or-swim experiences with the guidance of her first boss, Skip Lineberg, Emily discovered that not all graduates are blessed with great mentors. Today she is a frequent speaker at universities and organizations on the topic of career success, particularly advancing the skills of young women in the workplace and volunteering as a means of leadership development. Emily also teaches a graduate course on social media and hosts a popular career blog at www.ProfessionalStudio365.com. She is a member of the CAREEREALISM team of career experts and contributes regularly to business publications and blogs on professional development issues.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAs a career newbie, Skip Lineberg learned the art of successful management at General Electric during the Jack Welch heyday. Today he applies those skills as the owner of Maple Creative, a marketing firm staffed with more than a few young professionals. Under Skip’s leadership, Maple has grown into a thriving business and garnered dozens of prestigious awards. Skip also hosts Maple’s Marketing Genius blog, which \u003ci\u003eAdvertisingAge\u003c\/i\u003e magazine named one of the 150 most influential business blogs on the Web.\u003cb\u003eIntroduction\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eTo move up, you must get noticed. \u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eTo get noticed, you must attract attention.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eTo attract attention, you must be distinctive. \u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eTo be distinctive, you must be known for results. \u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eAs a new professional, learning how to be a professional is your first task. Whatever career or industry you choose, if you want to be respected by colleagues, invaluable to clients, and a crackerjack to your boss, mastery of the basics of business \u003cbr\u003eis essential. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eEffective Immediately\u003c\/i\u003e is designed to teach you how to survive your first year in the workforce. But we want to do more than that—we want you to become \u003ci\u003egreat\u003c\/i\u003e. In a world overrun by the so-so and the okay, excellence wins, but it’s a choice you have to make every day. Long-term success—the only kind that really matters—never just happens; it is always the result of clear objectives, laser focus, and building good work habits from day one. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSo if you want to be an extraordinary executive, this is your book. If you’re an enthusiastic, curious sort who is unimpressed by generic catchphrases and who wants—make that \u003ci\u003edemands\u003c\/i\u003e—to know how to be the best, this is your book. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe principles on these pages, if applied correctly, will elevate you to the top of your game. In fact, by the time you need to order new business cards, you should already have been promoted. And that’s not hyperbole, just great business. \u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eTo your success,\u003cbr\u003eEmily Bennington\u003cbr\u003eSkip Lineberg\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA Contract between You and Über-You\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eI, _____________________, understand that this is a critical time in my career when first impressions matter. I promise to stack the odds in my favor as much as possible by arriving at work on time every day, meeting all assigned deadlines, taking ownership of my projects, and continually asking myself, “If it were \u003ci\u003emy\u003c\/i\u003e business, would this be acceptable?”\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePursuant to same, I pledge to use this time to earn the trust and respect of my peers and subordinates. I recognize that when I am promoted to a management position, I will be responsible for leading these very colleagues. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eI acknowledge that this contract is between me and myself and carries no rewards or penalties apart from accelerated success, faster promotions, and my own personal transformation from new graduate to first-class executive. \u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e______________________________     _________________\u003cbr\u003eSignature                                           Date\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePart One\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGet It Right, Right Out of the Gate\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eFrom your very first day on the job, you are being evaluated by supervisors and colleagues. Will they judge you as a rank-and-file associate or a potential leader?\u003cbr\u003eThe answer is often determined by the first impressions you make. And it doesn’t matter whether you are the world’s most productive, intelligent new professional—if you are perceived differently, your career will suffer. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e1  \/  Conquer Your First Day \u003cbr\u003eHere we are, folks: the first day. And right now, you are under the microscope. Since your supervisors can’t judge you on performance and contributions yet, the focus will be on filling out piles of paperwork, getting you situated, and integrating you into the team. But make no mistake, \u003ci\u003eyou are being judged\u003c\/i\u003e.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHowever, instead of the usual measures that will kick in once you’re settled into the position, you will be judged on some very visible, basic parameters:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e• Did you show up on time?\u003cbr\u003e• What are you wearing?\u003cbr\u003e• Do you display confidence and charisma?\u003cbr\u003e• Do you seem overwhelmed or ready for a challenge?\u003cbr\u003e• How well do you communicate?\u003cbr\u003e• What personal items did you put in your office?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOn the first day, your mission is simple: Make a positive first impression. And the way to do that is to be very \u003ci\u003eintentional\u003c\/i\u003e about how you present yourself. Here are some tips that will help you not merely survive your first day, but conquer it with poise and professionalism. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eArrive Early\u003cbr\u003eMake sure you are on-site at least ten to fifteen minutes before your official start time. If your commute involves driving or taking public transportation, consider rehearsing your route in advance. (Try to go when travel conditions are as realistic as possible; for instance, don’t make the drive on a Sunday afternoon if you’ll be traveling during weekday morning rush hour.) Giving yourself a bit of extra time will not only create some leeway if there are any unexpected delays (traffic, parking, and so on), but will also let you step into the restroom and collect yourself once you arrive. You’ll be understandably nervous, so don’t let normal first-day jitters spiral into outright panic by getting behind schedule. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLook the Part \u003cbr\u003eThe saying “Dress for the job you want, not the one you have” applies from your very first day at work. While every office is different and some are more casual than others, a good rule of thumb is to dress a notch above your current station. For most new employees, this means donning a high-quality, conservative suit that’s pressed and spotless, wearing shoes that are polished, and carrying a leather (or faux leather) briefcase or messenger bag. To save time on your big day, have your outfit ready the night before. Also, don’t forget to bring a pack of breath mints. Even the sharpest suit can be forgotten next to someone who smells like day-old Starbucks. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eExude Confidence\u003cbr\u003eThis is truly a crossroads in your life and the first step to building an extraordinary career. You’re earning your own money now, and there’s no limit to what you can achieve. Regardless of your past work or life experiences, this is an opportunity to start fresh and turn the page. Embrace it and walk tall. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTake Initiative \u003cbr\u003eA great way to come across as friendly and confident right away is to proactively introduce yourself to your new colleagues. Don’t assume they should reach out to you first because it’s their workplace already. Just extend a firm handshake, smile warmly, and have some fifteen-second “about me” sound bites ready. Take some time beforehand to think about the questions you are likely to be asked and be prepared with insightful, succinct responses. In fact, we’ll make it easy—you’re probably going to be asked about: \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e• Your university (and its latest football record)\u003cbr\u003e• Your major\u003cbr\u003e• Your professors (if you encounter any alumni)\u003cbr\u003e• Your hometown\u003cbr\u003e• Your current role (“So, you’re our new associate, eh?”)\u003cbr\u003e• Your tasks (If you don’t yet know what types of projects you’ll be assigned, just smile and say, “I’m not sure exactly what I’ll be working on yet, but I’m looking \u003cbr\u003eforward to getting started.”)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAlso, since you’re going to be doing lots of introductions, come up with some questions for your coworkers so the conversation is a dialogue rather than a Q \u0026amp; A session. You can research key players online via the company website, Google, or LinkedIn, but if all else fails, look around their office for clues on topics of interest. For example, if the walls are dripping with plaques, comment on one. If their desk is filled with family photos, ask about their children. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe point here is to realize that the impressions you’re making on the job don’t have to be left to chance. In PR, they call this “controlling the message.” You can call it being \u003ci\u003eeffective immediately\u003c\/i\u003e. Are you ready? Welcome to the workforce!\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eNewbie to Newbie\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eLeave the Sequins and Pleather at Home\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMy first real job was for a company owned by the world’s largest fashion conglomerate and located in America’s fashion capital, New York City. I figured I had “made it” and needed to look the part. I researched all of the major fashion magazines for the latest trends and developed a work wardrobe of gold pleather pants, brightly colored tops, and excessive chunky jewelry. I even took a day-to-night approach by wearing a sequined tank that would look great after work and toning it down for the office by pairing it with simple black pants. It only took a short time to notice that no one else in the office was wearing sequins or gold pants, and that I had mistaken trendy looks from the magazines’ pages for chic business attire. I realized then that if I wanted to be treated like a professional, I had to dress accordingly.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eNicole Lemoine\u003cbr\u003ePublic educator \u003cbr\u003eNew York, New York\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e2  \/  Have Patience \u003cbr\u003eFresh out of college, many newbies think that because of their education they have immediate status and deserve lofty positions. Not so. Status is the result of accomplishment, which is the result of work. Hard, often tedious work. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAny time you are a new hire, and especially at the beginning of your career, you must build your own success from the ground up. Do not expect anyone to assume you’re talented. You have to show them—and this takes time. Usually more time than you expect. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSo be patient. Don’t focus on when you’re going to move up; focus on what you’re doing now. As Sir William Osler (a pioneer of modern medicine) stated, “The best preparation for tomorrow is to do today’s work superbly well.” If at the end of each workday you can truthfully say that you worked to the best of your ability, we guarantee your success will take care of itself. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e3  \/  Mind Your “-Ilities” \u003cbr\u003eTo: Entry-Level Associates\u003cbr\u003eFrom: The Boss\u003cbr\u003eRe: Mind Your “-Ilities”\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eManagement would like to take this opportunity to welcome all of you aboard. We are thrilled that you have chosen to work for our organization, and we know that you will be a great asset to the team. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHaving said that, we would also like you to be aware that all respective department heads are now actively scouting for the company’s next “young guns.” And while other newbies will have orientation as usual (that is, they’ll be given the tour and then left alone), young guns will be handpicked for the fast track. They will be carefully groomed for big chairs in the executive suite and will be first in line for promotions, top projects, personal attention, and other perks. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIf you want to become a member of the club, management recommends that you stack the odds in your favor by minding your “-ilities” (dependability, reliability, humility, accountability, responsibility, likeability, punctuality, and so on). Until we’ve had enough time to sufficiently evaluate the caliber of your work, our first impressions of you will be based on perceptible qualities, like “-ilities,” we can see for ourselves. Just thought you should know. \u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eSincerely, \u003cbr\u003eThe Boss \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e4  \/  Prepare for the Brain Dump\u003cbr\u003eFact: When you’re new, you’re going to be overwhelmed. Everyone who seemingly knows everything about your office and its customers is going to randomly “dump” this knowledge on you in rapid, shotgun-like outbursts. Usually these brain dumps occur in stream-of-consciousness statements that begin on your first day, often before you’ve had a chance to locate the coffee maker. (“Ann will be your main client contact, but she’s out of the office on Tuesdays and every other Thursday. Here’s the supply closet; if you can’t find something here, there’s another located on the fifth floor. There are separate recycling containers for paper, cardboard, glass, and plastic—and all paper recyclables must be totally staple-free. What were we talking about a minute ago?”)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt’s a lot to take in at once, but rest assured, the brain dump happens to everyone. Prepare yourself by knowing that you \u003ci\u003ewill\u003c\/i\u003e be bombarded with new people and new information coming at you from every direction. However, there are a few things you can do to manage the flow.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eStudy Your Business\u003cbr\u003eIn your first few days on the job, carve out some time to research everything you can about your company and how it operates. Explore your website, read your organization’s marketing brochures, annual reports, and proposals. Without breaching security policies, search around the intranet and read any reports, timelines, work plans, and other relevant documents you can find. Copy the best of these to your desktop, then format your work to look similar. This background will most likely answer a lot of the more basic questions that every new employee asks, so you can stand out with more targeted, insightful observations.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBut Do Ask Questions—Even Basic Ones \u003cbr\u003eWhen you’re new, you have about a two-week grace period in which coworkers will cheerfully answer any inane question you throw at them. Take advantage of this time now and use it to your benefit. Later on, they may not be so charitable. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGet Organized\u003cbr\u003eWhen it comes to taking notes, it’s critical to keep everything in one place. Therefore you’ll want to carry your planner or a notebook with you at all times—you never know when the next brain dump will take place. (See pages 22–23 for some note-taking tips.) Also, if you work at a job where you’re responsible for multiple projects at the same time, start a new page for each one. This will give you space to go back and add notes as needed.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eStay Sane\u003cbr\u003eNever allow the brain dump to visibly stress you out. Remember, people are still forming impressions of you at this point; if you can’t handle the first week without being completely overwhelmed, they’re naturally going to wonder whether you’re cut out for the job. In truth, brain dumps usually occur because most of your colleagues haven’t thought much about your arrival before you showed up, so they’re just spouting information as it comes to them. At the end of the day, take as many notes as you can, smile often, and know that in a few months you will be brain dumping on the next wide-eyed newbie—just remember to let them have some coffee first. \u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e5  \/  Don’t Expect a Lot of Hand-Holding \u003cbr\u003eRegardless of where you work or what industry you’re in, there are certain processes, tools, and forms that make up the standard operating procedures of your company. Perhaps you were introduced to these through a very organized, systematic orientation. If so, great—consider yourself fortunate. If not, don’t feel shortchanged or frustrated. Instead, take initiative and master the basics on your own. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn decades past, when most people worked for huge corporations, the training process for newcomers was given greater attention. Fully staffed human resource departments handled orientation, or mid-level managers or supervisors were responsible for getting new hires up to speed. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eToday, things are different. Companies have pared back layers of management and administrative functions to become leaner and more competitive. Traditional HR departments are either gone or spread thin. In addition, the world is becoming increasingly populated by small businesses, many of which have not yet developed structured processes for training new employees. As a result, basic procedures like orientation get less direct attention. (And this trend is not likely to reverse.)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSo don’t wait for orientation to come to you. Go out and tackle it yourself. Ask your colleagues for help. (Be patient and persistent, though; providing this information may not be anyone’s direct responsibility.) The following chapter includes lists of questions that are typically addressed during more formal orientations.","brand":"Ten Speed Press","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46300238446821,"sku":"NP9781580089999","price":18.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1842\/7735\/files\/9781580089999.jpg?v=1767725887","url":"https:\/\/k12savings.com\/products\/effective-immediately-isbn-9781580089999","provider":"K12savings","version":"1.0","type":"link"}