Landing Zone


Colonel Candid here to help with mentorship advice after you’ve landed that first gig. Let’s take a second to assess your environment. You’ve passed through the gates and made it to the position you’ve wanted. Just like qualifying for the big race, you’re in the starting blocks and now it’s time to run.


You’ve got this but it’s going to take some determination. Let’s start by looking around. What is your environment like? Each day when you walk in, who is there? What is your environment like? If you’re in a large city and people had to drive or metro in, they’re probably on edge. If you’re in a rural environment and that weather was rough during the drive, they could be in a tough spot too. So, take some time to assess the mental temperature of the room.


When it’s the right time begin digging in. Start by asking questions to people who are busiest. Most of the time, the person with the least amount of time has the hardest job and will go the furthest (although this isn’t always true…more on the busy body later). But ask around to who is the person who knows everything about the business or the job.


Keep your eyes open, as you peruse the room I think you’ll start to pick up on a couple of things. Who’s the kiss up and who’s the ghost. And here’s where the candid part comes in…during my years of working I’ve noticed a trend. The person who brings in donuts or pastries the most, usually does the least amount of work. Maybe it’s the idea of buying someone off through their sweet tooth. And ladies and gentlemen, please, don’t feel the imperative to feed your co-workers. Unless you’re training to be a pastry chef as a side gig, it’s not your job and you’re not the work mom or dad. Second, that ghost employee. They’re the person who you ask yourself…what do they do? Please, don’t invest time there.


Back to your optimistic first month at work. Assess what is valued and it’s not always the bottom line. Each environment is unique. If you’re in a federal job, it could be keeping the budget at the current spending level. If you’re trying to manage a new business it could be simply making those first big accounts happy and trust me, that might seriously take away from the bottom line. Just keep rowing in the direction most important to your boss.


Speaking of the boss, take note and understand that they are now a very important person in your life. The idealistic world of flat organizations, written and espoused about recently, exists but is a rare beast. You’re more than likely in a hierarchical or matrixed organization. So, look into the eyes of who you report to and get to know them. Because brothers and sisters, they are the boss. Understand that, if they’re good, they’ll reciprocate. If you’re the new boss, take the step to know your people. You’ll reap the benefits tenfold.


Again, keep gazing around and keep your eyes open to the potential and possibilities in your new environment. You’re just starting your race and we’re glad to have you onboard. Let’s make this new landing awesome and keep working as you find your greatness.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Veterans Day 2020

Image
Veterans Day is an American national holiday celebrated on Nov. 11 that honors those who have served in the U.S. military. Originally, the holiday was known as Armistice Day, as it originated in 1919 on the first anniversary of the armistice that ended World War I. The day became an official national holiday in the United States in 1938. Congress amended the act that had made Armistice Day a holiday in 1954, striking the word “Armistice” in favor of “Veterans” to honor those who served in all U.S. wars. From 1971 to 1975, Veterans Day was celebrated on the fourth Monday in October after the 1968 passage of the Uniform Holidays Bill. The date changed back to Nov. 11 in 1975 under President Gerald Ford due to the date’s historical significance. The U.S. is not the only country that commemorates its veterans. In the United Kingdom, Remembrance Sunday is celebrated on the second Sunday of November. The United Kingdom and other Commonwealth countries such as Australia and New Zealand al...
Read more

You Suck as a Leader

Colonel Candid here in one of my most candid writings. Sometimes as much as I want to build you up, I’m also going to need you to self-reflect and find those areas where you are weakest. Let’s apply some serious elbow grease and get rid of these bad habits before they make you the leader who sucks. The reason you’re ineffective at leading could be one of several issues stemming from communication, trust, integrity, or planning. The impacts of these failures ripple across your team or organization. 1.        You talk the talk but don’t walk the walk. Please, we appreciate your lofty attempts at coaching, speeches, and the numerous vision statements you’ve posted around. Unfortunately, your inaction is evident every single day. The paper-thin goals you’ve put up aren’t working because you don’t provide us with the intent. Clear communication is key and we want to understand what you want of us. 2.        You could care less...
Read more

What do you stand for?

Recently, while perusing social media I saw a post by a classmate from many years back. In this he stated that he appreciated customers of his business but he did not want to profit from people who harassed his female employees, either verbally on the phone or on-line. The company, Ranger Up , demonstrates here a perfect example of how great leaders take a stand against repugnant behaviors. As you look for companies that not only talk-the-talk look for evidence, like this, that they walk-the-walk. Here are a couple of tips from Colonel Candid on what to look for in a healthy workplace that supports women and proves what they stand for. Because we all want to work for a company where women are equitably valued and respected, participation by women is encouraged. When you’re looking at working somewhere look at how employees are seen and treated. Do you sense that recruitment of excellent talent is gender-blind? If not, then the culture is askew from the starting line. The true p...
Read more