Have you ever wondered why some people quickly assimilate into a group, while others seem out of place? We're not talking about comparing a misanthrope and a philanthropist, and it's not necessarily about charisma either. Some people try so hard that they come across as unnatural. On the contrary, there are those who appear completely disinterested.
Often, appearances don't align with reality. Newcomers may simply not understand how to behave and may randomly try on behavioral "masks." Entering a new group in this manner can end badly and push away colleagues. To prevent this from happening, we'll explain how to assimilate into a new collective and find allies within it.
Look Neat
Try to find out the dress code of the company in advance from HR or your supervisor. Nobody has yet disproved the truth that "you're judged by your appearance". You don't need to buy an expensive suit or drench yourself in perfume; it's enough to be clean and tidy. This is the fundamental minimum to ensure that your conversation isn't distracted by wrinkled trousers or an unpleasant odor.
Be Friendly
Friendliness is a feeling that you can cultivate in yourself by learning to see not only the negative but also the positive qualities in people. Smile if you want to smile. Don't suppress emotions you don't feel. Be natural in your behavior. Your colleagues will understand your good attitude even without a forced smile, but Pennywise-like grimaces are unlikely to be appreciated.
Follow Etiquette
Every organization has communication etiquette that has developed over time. Don't try to change it right from the start. Familiarize yourself with the internal rules and try to adhere to them. If something doesn't suit you, suggest changes once you've settled in. Don't forget about common etiquette: greet people, clean up after yourself, and so on.
Don't Be Afraid to Ask
It's better to be seen as curious than uninterested. Don't hesitate to ask questions if you don't understand how to handle a task. Perhaps they've forgotten about you and left you with nothing to do. Ask! When managers return to reality, they'll realize you've been idle. Can you smell getting fired on your first day?
Don't Show Off
If only we were paid for every real story of a new employee arriving with "vast experience" and then struggling like an unskilled kitten in a box. They even announce upon meeting everyone that they can do EVERYTHING. Don't do that. Even if you really can do everything. Because it's very difficult to find help later when you need it.
Suggest Through Questions
Now it's time for a real life hack. If you don't like something and want to make a suggestion but can't hold back, just ask, or rather, inquire. Start with "Have you considered the option of..." or "Have you tried replacing it with..." and similar phrases. There's a chance that the organization encourages initiative, but know-it-all newcomers are often met with resistance.
Don't rush to tell everything about yourself right away, but also don't give one-word answers. In the beginning, it's best to stick to the golden mean. You'll have plenty of opportunities to showcase yourself.
