Managing Change in the new Job….

The moment you are hired in a new company, the first few months of your joining are a huge test and an adjustment period.

Before employment, your employer notifies you of their expectations while you also have the opportunity to share yours. As soon as you sign the contract, the countdown begins. The employer expects changes, some, almost immediately. Then in the process of trying to show our new employer that you really can flex muscle, you start to immediately flip things over.

I have witnessed managers come in and on their first day, employee X has been fired, lunch hours have been readjusted, the attendance register has been moved to their office etc.

A smart manager knows that making drastic changes immediately you join a firm can be disastrous. One of the things I inform any potential employer in an interview is that there will be changes, a lot, but not on day one. Whenever a new manager comes in, empoyees become unsure. They are most likely going to resist you on the first few months. They too have very huge expectations for you, you need to learn to manage them.

When I moved from the private security industry to the hospitality industry, the first few months were a real test of my patience level. The two industries are extremely different. I had to learn to be more patient and understanding.

As a new manager, take time to learn the new company and the employees. Do a lot of observing and less talking. Get to know the people you are working with, beyond the face value. Not everything you are told about someone is always true and things are not usually how they seem. Gain the respect of your new staff, begin to make minor changes and stand by your decisions. Listen to your team, say no or yes when you believe that’s the right answer. Rome was not built in one day.

However, when you come in all bossy, trying to show everyone that a new Sherrif is in town, you may find yourself out of the company before your seat is even warm. Always remember that simply because a style worked in company X does not mean that the same will in company Y. You need to learn your new company and make adjustments as necessary. You will be surprised at the things you can achieve.