Kennedy is not apt to make such errors and even less likely to read my column. But for the rest of us who do not have folks to guide us through the snags of that first year on a job, here are three things you don't want to do starting day one.
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Here's what NOT to do:
1. Don't open your mouth more often than not.
Of course you're brimming with ideas on how to do things better. Your notions might be spot-on. Still, be eager but smart by keeping your trap shut for a while.
As the newcomer on the scene, be all ears. Get to know people, the issues and way business is conducted. Observe how things get done -- or not -- and how people interact. Lay low or people will resent you.
Acting like a know-it-all will get them thinking: Who do you think you are? They'll feel you have no appreciation for their efforts. Ask questions and learn.
2. Don't let your greatest moment pass you by.
After you've been there a while, you can start making things happen.
It could take six months or a year before you do something spectacular. But mark my words, once you're up to your ears solving problems, everything becomes a blur. And when it's performance evaluation time, you'll be scratching around to remember what all you've accomplished. So start tracking.
Plus, you never know when you may have to look for a new job again. Things can change on a dime. If you monitor and record your accomplishments, you've got the information handy when you need it.
Get a notebook or create an electronic version where you write things like: "November 22, four months on job: Gave two-hour presentation to senior management and entire division that set new global strategy. ! Everyone loved it."
Six months later, hopefully, you can describe the results the strategy achieved.
3. Don't leave prematurely or in a huff.
What if it's clear early on the job isn't working out? You might be bored to tears or the company and manager are intolerable. Fine. But these are not good reasons to mope around mad, walk out too soon and without warning, or worse, in a huff.
Before you make your disillusioned exit, ask yourself if there's even a dim hope things could change. Depending on circumstances, a conversation with your manager could be in order to see if the situation is fixable. Let the record show, you tried to work it out.
If you can't right the situation, exit in a way that doesn't put your co-workers and manager in a tight spot. Waving ta-ta at the end of the day, then emailing your resignation with no plan to return is not the way.
For one, you put your reputation on the line. Word will get out. If someone was suddenly not there at your company, wouldn't you be gabbing about it? You also scorch your relationship with your boss. And former managers and potential employers talk. Researchers now say the average number of acquaintances separating any two people in the world is 4.74.
All of this behavior brings up doubts about your maturity, critical thinking skills, integrity and ability to communicate and work well with others. So if it's time to leave, do it in a way that protects your reputation.
The first year on a job is replete with landmines. So heap on the common sense day one to pave the way for a bright future.
Career consultant Andrea Kay is the author of This Is How To Get Your Next Job: An Inside Look at What Employers Really Want. Reach her at andrea@andreakay.com. Twitter: @AndreaKayCareer.
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