AboutVijayraj Kamat Expertise I can help you in getting a different perspective on any workplace issue. Getting a neutral, balanced perspective helps when you yourself are too frustrated, stressed out or cynical to form a sound opinion of your own or to separate the issue from the person. I will give you an unbiased, practical, opinion supported by sound reasoning when it comes to:
- Dealing with a difficult boss
- Dealing with a difficult subordinate
- Dealing with uncooperative/demotivated team members
- Learning to project your work and not just completing it
- Negotiating for timelines
In short, any workplace related problem thats is not specific to a specific industry. I am your 'agony aunt' column for work place woes! :-) I CANNOT give solutions to precise 'technical' problems. There is a separate section for that! Go there!
Experience I have been in the offshoring industry for about 4 years. The intensely competitive business coupled with the extremely challenging environments I have got a chance to work in makes my learning much more than the average level. Plus people management has been my interest since childhood and I have done plenty of it right since my school days. Have researched, experimented a lot in this area as well. And I always think knowledge that comes out of interest and experience is much more useful than a college degree.
Expert: Vijayraj Kamat Date: 6/26/2008 Subject: First day
Question Hi Vijay
Guess what got the JOb
I would be joining the firm as a Team Lead who would be responsible for handling an IT team and coordinating with other teams & depts. including clients.
As previously stated I am from a customer service background with no experience in IT and managing a big team. Can you provide tips on how I should proceed, how should my first interaction be with my new team members (like what should I say & speak that would get their attention that though I am a fair manager, I expect people to provide me the quality, discipline and fast response to projects) If you get the jest.
Need pointers on what to say to the whole group on the whole on the first day and what to speak about and say during one on one with the team members
Plus what should I make a note of and observe during such interactions
Ideally looking for some strong lines that would make the guys sit-up and take notice.
Hope you got the jest of what I want to know
Thanks
Answer Hi Dimitrz
HEARTY CONGRATULATIONS on getting the job!!!
Hmm. The first day - thrilling as well as scary. But its ok. There's always a first day.
Though the others would suggest a lengthy motivational speech with 'we can do this together!!' and big dream phrases, I would suggest to keep it low.
People respond to your intent/your being(no matter what you do), then your actions(no matter what you say) and then your words.
The way you had described the situation in the earlier mail, you won't have a bunch of 'enthusiastic employees raring to go'but normal, maybe even disgruntled people. And that's normal too! :-)
So here are my suggestions. But I too strongly believe that to seem like someone, you have to BE that someone:
They would expect a 'big, boring speech'. Do not give it to them. But do not make it seem as if you 'cannot'. Make the entire team meeting about THEM, not you.
1. Start by introducing yourself. Give your background briefly - but there's no need to deliberately focus on your lack of IT experience. Display your enthusiasm to join them. Mention about your personal interests as well.
2. Mention jokingly that "I can give a big first day speech anyway..but I'd rather save it for later after giving you all a chance to work with me. And after working together, I hope I do not have to give one!:-)" Do not say it if you do not mean it. Or if you are happy NOT to give the speech just because you are nervous :-)
3. Then spend the time genuinely talking about THEM. Each and every member. Their names, experience, interests. Be genuinely interested. Do not act more interested than you really are.
4. Communicate your general plan to them. Say "Mr. XYZ here will be helping me learn the ropes. I am told that Mr.PQR here is good at blah blah. So I might get in touch with you for help. So I hope you will all help me out when I need it. After 1 or 2 weeks, I plan to have a one on one with everybody to understand what challenges, issues you face. But since I do not want to make it just a talk with big promises and no action, I would wait for 1-2 weeks, get a feel of the work,get used to it and then do it"
5. End the meeting by asking them again, if they have anything to say or ask.
Remember. You got the job DESPITE your experience. So there's no longer any need to worry about it.
Congrats once again!!!!
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