Tact & Diplomacy

"As the "Newbie" to the company, you are considered to be at the bottom of the totem pole and have to prove yourself."
- Bryce's Law

The following is an excerpt from my new book, "MORPHING INTO THE REAL WORLD - A Handbook for Entering the Work Force" which is a survival guide for young people as they transition into adult life. The book offers considerable advice regarding how to manage our personal and professional lives. As a part of this, I found it necessary to discuss the political ramifications of being the new kid on the block.

Tact & Diplomacy

Unlike school where there are few rules in terms of decorum, you will find it necessary to practice tact and diplomacy in the workplace. As the "Newbie" to the company, you are considered to be at the bottom of the totem pole and have to prove yourself. This means initially, you will have to practice a little humility until you've proven yourself.

Many young people initially have trouble adapting to the pressures of corporate life. Stay calm and collected. Getting uptight is not going to help anyone, particularly yourself. If you get in trouble, the worst thing you can do is not ask for help. Remember, you will be judged by how well you react to pressure.

There will be situations where it will be necessary for you to be passive, and others where you will need to demonstrate some aggressiveness. It all depends on the responsibilities and assignments given you. Bottom-line, you have to get the job done. To do so, you will either have to do it yourself or require the cooperation of others. You do not want to appear to be a pushover, nor do you want to be overbearing. Instead, you have to find a balance between the two, particularly as the new hire. If you are not sure, consult your manager for advice.

Most people want to simply be treated fairly, courteously and respectfully. The problem arises when having to deal with people who do not have the same moral values or interests as you do, thereby causing conflicts. If you run into a problem with another worker, try to talk it out initially. Try to put yourself in the other person's shoes and understand their point of view. In most instances, problems arise simply by having different perceptions of a situation. Endeavor to find out the cause of the problem and, if necessary, seek a mutually agreeable compromise. Avoid butting heads if at all possible. But if the problem persists, consult your manager.

Above all else, watch your temper. As the old adage admonishes us, "You catch more flies with honey than you do with vinegar." A little courtesy can go a long way towards building fruitful relationships.

If you make a mistake affecting someone else, learn how to make a sincere apology. Nobody likes to "eat crow," but there will be times when you have to put your dignity aside and mend a fence. If you have to make an apology, try to do so in person as opposed to by telephone or in writing. Your personal sincerity is better expressed in person, and you do not necessarily want to admit a mistake in writing which may be used against you later on.

If you would like to discuss this with me in more depth, please do not hesitate to send me an e-mail.