STARS: Being the New Guy

I have been the new person in school, work, and other places a few times in my life. It can be scary and nervewracking. It can also be exciting. 

I try to learn the lay of the land and the culture first. I firmly believe that you cannot effectively participate in a game without fully knowing and understanding the rules. 

I then find someone that I know from a past experience. I then find a mentor (often it's the same person.). I shadow them, confide in them, and see what good examples they are setting. 

I proceed to be myself, keep a positive attitude, try my best and show why I am there. I have found that properly communicating with others and having that understanding goes a long way towards building good relationships. 

I have used this simple template many times to help me adjust to new situations. I'm confident it can help someone else also.

STARS: How to Say Goodbye

I have had many transitions in my life: personal, professional and otherwise. Tomorrow is my last day at my current work site and I begin my new role at my new site next week. I sit back and think of the good, bad and in between. It's all surreal. 

I start with as few words as possible. I simply say thanks for the memories, keep in touch, I hope I can use you for a reference and likewise. Showing simple gratitude is very important. 

I then do my best not to place my former colleagues in a bind. I have had to clean up enough messes from people before me and I like to have a smooth handoff.

I believe in staying available but being distant at first. I learned this at the WU. This helps transition better for me. I am not codependent on the folks I have worked side by side with for a while and I can focus in my new role. 

I then begin my new role, taking my lessons learned and playbooks from 25 years of past experience. I go into my role as open and positive as possible, and give it my all. I am then faithful that I am in this situation for good reason and make the best out of it.