One of the first things I do when I start a new job is print this image and post it up somewhere visible in my office, cube, workbench, or wherever it is “THE MAN” has me working. I first saw it from one of my old colleague/mentor’s cube back when I used to work at Extreme Networks, and found it to be so funny, as it depicted the work ethic of many of our “fellow” co-workers. Not only does it remind me of my good old tech support days, but throughout the years I’ve found that it also serves another purpose… it serves as a conversation starter when co-workers stop by to welcome me at my new job. First, it lets them know that I have a sense of humor about things. Second, it often provokes some sort of reaction, or story from them in which I can use to get a read on them. And getting an early read on the people I’ll be working with is VERY essential in mapping out the “lay of the land” at the new gig. If you’re lucky you’ll be working with people you know- which makes it easier to get the inside scoop. However, life happens and at some point in your career you’ll have to go with the flow and move on to bigger and better things, leaving everone you know behind to start the new gig elsewhere- with complete strangers. Lucky for me I have this handy-dandy flowchart to help accompany me on my new ventures!
