Wednesday, January 18, 2017

Welcome Aboard!





Welcome aboard! 

You were hired because of your success either in school or at another organization. With regard to the latter, the place may have been entirely different from our own but we'll assume (pretend?) that the skills you acquired are transferable until you show them to be otherwise.

We were impressed that you did not badmouth your past employers  In turn, we put a rather happy face on our own environment. During your orientation, which will be all-too-brief, you'll meet some of the key players. We'll do our best to keep the local eccentrics from crossing your path for at least a couple of days.

Just kidding. They too have valuable things to teach you. Many of them are among the brightest people in this organization. [That is in no way a sarcastic comment.] Every organization needs a dash of eccentricity and we're proud of it. We don't use a cookie-cutter to select people.

You will, however, find a shared commitment to certain values; the stuff that makes all of us trustworthy. If you ever find us straying from those, give a very loud shout. 

We mean that.

Perhaps the best thing we can advise you to do is to observe. Listen carefully for meaning and not just general statements. Ask plenty of questions early on because that's when people expect them. [if you're really smart, you'll keep on asking and learning.] 

Don't believe everything you hear, whether it is good or bad. Make up your own mind. Look for mentors but remember that even the best mentor has biases and gaps. Start connecting dots. We hope you never stop doing that.

You are here for a reason. 

Let's be worthy of one another.

4 comments:

Lou Rodarte said...

Michael - I've been coaching someone that has recently been hired into a start up. Your "Welcome Aboard" post is spot on. You've outdone yourself again. Thanks for sharing.

Michael Wade said...

Lou,

I'm glad you liked it!

Michael

Anonymous said...

Bravo, Michael. Well done, sir.

Jim

P.S. I'm still thinking about your 'Filters and Alerts' post. There's a lot to say about it, but I'll just mention amygdala & r/K Selection but that's just part of the story.
http://www.execupundit.com/2016/10/filters-and-alerts.html

Michael Wade said...

Jim,

Many thanks!

Michael