New Job - Starting off right

[BJCooperIT]

Last year I landed the job of my dreams, or so I thought, with my state government heading a development team supporting an application I had developed as a consultant. Instead, I found myself spending 95% of my time doing clerical tasks for which I had no training. Needless to say, I was very unhappy and I left after the stress made me ill.

I have spent the last 6 months working on my web site and learning HTML, wondering if I would ever get back into IT.

Now, I consider myself very lucky to have landed "the perfect" job (again!) with the county, doing what I love (Oracle forms development) with a team of good folks.

What I would like from you is tips about getting off on the proverbial "right foot" and staying organized in a new job. Any advice on making this the best and last job I have ever had?
Thanks!

[sup]Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.[/sup][sup] ~George Bernard Shaw[/sup]
Systems Project Analyst/Custom Forms & PL/SQL - Oracle/Windows
Author and Sole Proprietor of: Emu Products Plus

 

[CajunCenturion]

That is wonderful news BJCooperIT, and I am happy for you.

The first thought that comes to mind is based in attitude. To whatever extents are reasonsble, continue to believe that you have the best job and that it will be your last. Look for and find the good in your tasks and in your associates.

Good Luck
--------------
To get the most from your Tek-Tips experience, please read FAQ181-2886
As a circle of light increases so does the circumference of darkness around it. - Albert Einstein

 

[mmorancbt]

I would often find myself disorganized. My solution was based partially on a Franklin Planner course and partially on trial-and-error.

First, no loose pieces of paper. Create a central source of info that stays with you. I used to use a planner but it wasn't what I needed.

Now, I use a bound notebook/journal. I use if for all kinds of notes. At the end of the day - and at least once a week - I go through it and put what I need to in my computer (Outlook).

Another idea: The book To do, Doing, Done! is pretty good. It has a great desk/filing organization method/routine. Basic but effective.

Lastly: All of these techniques require time. You have to schedule a littel time each day for organization and a little time each week for more intense. Make it a meeting! It has to be as important as meeting with your boss - or else you may be meeting with your boss..if you know what I mean.

Good luck & Congratulations!

Matthew Moran

http://www.cbtoolkit.com

 

[TruthInSatire]

Here are some lessons i've learned.

No one likes a know-it-all... even if you do know it all (or like to find out if you don't). I fall into this category although i don't mean to. Someone asked me the other day "why do you always have to prove people wrong?" I wasn't meaning to prove anyone wrong they just didn't sound sure so i googled for the answer. Aparently I do it more than I realize, and they don't like it, so now I'll let them be wrong/unsure.

If someone is talking about a non work related topic and they're wrong... let them be unless it's going to cause someone harm. I remember a conversation between me and a coworker when i was new. it was about windows. The kind you put in your house, it was about what constitutes "insulated" windows. I used to work in a window manufacturing plant (the glass department no less) so I knew what she was saying was wrong. When I tried to offer the correction it basicly led to an "I'm right you're wrong and you're the new guy shut-up" we didn't talk much after that. It's taken a couple years to get back on good terms.

If you don't get along with someone don't tell ANYONE. Speaking about it in public is just as bad as gossip. Same person got bad anual reviews for "lack of teaming" because she was open about her dislike with me. I fortunatly kept my discontent to myself, and helped her when she needed it and avoided the counceling... I just let her think her windows are insulated...

don't make fun of your customers that don't know how to use a computer... don't say stuff like "stupid" "idiot" "retarded".. etc even if they're not directed at a person or group. I mentioned to a supervisor taht i thought a current process was stupid. He said it really bothered him that i say that even though he knows i'd never say it to the customer.

don't work through lunch, or breaks, or stay late unless it is absolutely necessary, unles everyone else does. They don't like being made to look lazy either.

one time i told a bunch of really big folks... "for example system x doesn't work in all cases. works great for the people it was built for, but is nothing but trouble for the people that are made to use it, but aren't the original customer" ... open mouth insert foot. They were the ones that made it and were making others use it, just because they made it... so don't do that either...

out of time. got to eat dinner if i think of anymore i'll post again. Hope it helps and congrats. The best learning experiences though are yours. think back on things you "probably shouldn't have done" and you're off to a good start.

A common mistake that people make when trying to design something completely foolproof is to underestimate the ingenuity of complete fools.
-Douglas Adams (1952-2001)

 

[BJCooperIT]

CajunCenturion, You are right, attitude is everything. My attitude towards users was one of the things that got me the job over scores of applicants. Well, that and technical skills.

Matthew, sometimes we get mired down in the routine of our work and we do not see the obvious ways we could improve our way of addressing tasks. A sort of "forest & tree" thing. During my offtime I really had time to explore MS Outlook and found features (like Message Rules) that really would have been of help to me before. I won't even get into employers who install software on your PC and expect you to use it without training! Grrr...

I am particularly prone to put papers in one stack and file much later in the week/month/year. I will really have to work on that one. An appointment for a task is a great idea.

Bombboy,
I often work through lunch and will have to watch that trait. I try to be very diplomatic in what I say, but your reminder is good advice.

Thanks for your responses. Your advice is exactly what is needed.

[sup]Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.[/sup][sup] ~George Bernard Shaw[/sup]
Systems Project Analyst/Custom Forms & PL/SQL - Oracle/Windows
Author and Sole Proprietor of: Emu Products Plus

 

[orypecos]

Take a walk on lunch and don't think anything about work, just admire the clouds or stop and smell a rose. Be thankful for your health and try to avoid negative people without irritating them.

 

[sha76]

I don't think I can really add anything to what has been said above, but just wanted to say congrats on the new job and I really hope this one turns out to be everything you expect.

"Your rock is eroding wrong." -Dogbert

 

[kalistoh]

Try not to listen too much to the "moans" of other staff members. Don't let them influence your thoughts/opinions of management/other staff members.

It happens all the time in our work. A new person starts & they're not given a change to formulate their own opinions of the people they work with. No one likes management in our work & if your not strong-minded you get dragged along with the crowd.

she who destroys the light

 

[Swi]

kalistoh does have a valid point although you can tell a lot from a company's employees. Ah, if I could only have sat down with an employee of a company I was interviewing with. Although you do have the occational employee who will never be satisfied.

Swi

 

[crystalized]

I would just add one thing. If there is a task you are required to do, don't be scared to suggest a new or different way to accomplish it.

Lots of tasks get done one way for ages because "that is how we have always done it". If you have a way to improve it - do it. (Depending on the job, environment and task you may want to okay the change first)

I have always found that those little types of challenges make my work more interesting and usually improve my efficiency at completing my work.

Crystal
--------------------------------------------------

Experience is one thing you can't get for nothing.

-Oscar Wilde

 

[TruthInSatire]

it it's an internal process you probably wont have much trouble, if you can find ways to make things work better they'll like you for it (except for the guy or gal that made the original process and is very proud of it). IT moves quick and people in the field understand that change WILL happen.

If you try changing a process that effects the customers you might end up hitting a wall. I've got 300 customers, most of which are deathly afraid of change. more so, they're afraid of change when it comes to the computer they were forced to learn because they'd just as soon use paper and carbon, or etch-a-sketch... We NEEDED to change a system at one point because of certian advancements and conditions. It went over so well with the customers my boss basically sent out a memo that said "Deal with it"

A common mistake that people make when trying to design something completely foolproof is to underestimate the ingenuity of complete fools.
-Douglas Adams (1952-2001)

 

[willir]

BJ

I have always enjoyed your posts, and I valued your wisdom -- a hearty congratulations.

...Moving on
In a word, "Passion". I have seen a lot exceptional talent loose their passion, and then loose their edge or change jobs, or become very unhappy.

Dream job or not, make sure you keep your passion.

There has been a lot of good advice on getting along with people. Networking and people skills opens doors and helps provide a supporting environment if you have good people, or to your detriment if you work in a poisonous environment, The people thing is important, but from my perspective, passion is even more important. It drives us.

To avoid passion "burn out", dont over indulge. If one enjoys cheese cake, one will not eat cheese cake every day -- otherwisem one will no longer enjoy cheese cake. In your case, you may think about taking time out to enjoy other things besides your work so that you maintain your passion.

Perhaps you can use this "free" time to network with your friends, form a stronger team, develop leadership skills.

 

[BJCooperIT]

Thank you all for your advice. Sometimes we all can use a refresher course in being a good professional.

kalistoh moans
You are so right. I did let the moans and groans of my staff at my the first job I mentioned affect me, but not in the way you might imagine. They looked to me to make things better and so I listened to their complaints and took notes. I struggled to obtain budget to get necessary software, training, and manuals. Tried to streamline all the duplicated paperwork they were forced to do. And the list goes on. My attempts were in vain due to government rules and apathetic management. This was very stressful and part of the reason I left.

crystalized,
I agree, with a reservation. Change is welcomed by some, dreaded by others. It is the only way to make progress, yet some people would rather complain about something each and every day than embrace change. Always look at your target audience and present the benefits of change before suggesting anything that might disrupt their daily tasks.

willir and sha76
Your kind words are appreciated more than you know.



[sup]Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.[/sup][sup] ~George Bernard Shaw[/sup]
Systems Project Analyst/Custom Forms & PL/SQL - Oracle/Windows
Author and Sole Proprietor of: Emu Products Plus

 

[pathetic]

Do be one of those approachable and friendly people
Do look to every project or assignment as an opportunity
Do be a team player
Do look to learn from others (the organization, roles, culture)

Don't talk too much about "at my last job we did it this way"
Don't be a know-it-all
Don't be critical of established business rules

Enjoy your new job!

 

[BJCooperIT]

Thanks for your responses and well wishes. I am off to a good start this week and am loving every minute so far.

[sup]Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.[/sup][sup] ~George Bernard Shaw[/sup]
Systems Project Analyst/Custom Forms & PL/SQL - Oracle/Windows
Author and Sole Proprietor of: Emu Products Plus

 

[pmrankine]

BJCooperIT,
When I saw the title and author of this thread I was looking forward to some great tips from you as I've been used to your great advice - didn't think you'd be looking for advice yourself!

I too am about to embark on new beginnings with what I hope to be a longer term job so I've taken on board the comments made. The only suggestion I can make is pass on advice my Dad gave me when I started with my present position:
"As tempting as it may be, if things go wrong (as they will invariably do) try not to say 'At [your old employer] we used to do this...'"

Hope it helps,
pmrankine

 

[BJCooperIT]

pmrankine,
Thanks for the kind words and advice. Sometimes we all get mired in the routine of daily tasks. If we get stuck in the mindset of "I have always done it this way..." then we are doomed to repeat our old mistakes. What I am saying, I guess, is that anyone can benefit from a fresh perspective.

[sup]Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.[/sup][sup] ~George Bernard Shaw[/sup]
Systems Project Analyst/Custom Forms & PL/SQL - Oracle/Windows
Author and Sole Proprietor of: Emu Products Plus

 

[dk87]

NEVER sacrifice quality for quantity. I firmly believe this. I have never had an employer be impressed by how many times I had to fix something that wasn't done right the first time.

 

[Crowley16]

dk87

what about quality for speed?

I'm almost constantly asked to produce something asap, and it usually means I have to miss something, but there's not much I can do about it...

especially when they tell you the report has to be done by tomorrow, yet they've waited till today to ask you for the data instead of asking last week...

--------------------
Procrastinate Now!

 

[dk87]

Keep track of the items you are asked to produce, along with any fixes that are required and problems that are caused. In very short time it should be obvious to management that planning, prep, and proper execution will be much more cost efficient in the end. If you find out that all the things you do in a rush are just as good as the things you do with proper planning, prep, and execution, then you haven't sacrificed your quality. If you are that good, please post some tips for the rest of us! Good luck!