It’s a rite of passage. You start a new job and your supervisor takes you on the world tour. After pointing out the restrooms and showing you the vending machines, you are introduced to droves of people, none of whom you will remember tomorrow. You’re way too nervous worrying about making a good impression to employ all of those nifty mnemonic devices you once read about in the self-help aisle at the bookstore.
Many work rituals are irksome, but after seeing the mass introduction NOT in effect, I must say, it has won me over. Let’s take a closer look.
WHY IT’S GOOD
* Ever notice the new hire being trotted around the office by their boss? Once you see the parade of two under way, you start to mentally prepare. Perhaps you will deliver a funny one liner – or ask them where they worked before. Then it happens.
You get s-k-i-p-p-e-d over.
It’s probably nothing personal, but you can’t help but feel a tiny sting. Will you channel your annoyance at the new hire? Will this make your relationship with the boss even more tenuous?
If you’re a supervisor, the last thing you want is to alienate – not only members of your staff – but anyone working for the company. Being a good team player means everyone gets a proper introduction.
* The more time that passes before you make contact with the new hire, the harder it will be to initiate in the future. When you don’t get introduced, the onus is put on you. As the ‘old timer,’ it’s your job to introduce yourself, a feat that is not easy for most.
WHY IT’S BAD
* I have trouble remembering one person’s name, forget an entire staff. With limited time to make a mass introduction (because the boss usually wants to get it over with as soon as possible so they can get back to Googling), you are left with few devices that will ensure name recall at a later date.
* Getting back to your boss’ laziness… A mass introduction is the least amount of effort a supervisor can put into showing a new hire around. Rather than do the bare minimum, it would be nice if your boss would commit the time to really explain the who’s who and let you get to know each employee. (I realize this happens in some organizations, but it seems to be the exception, not the rule).
THOUGHTS
The person making the rounds with the rookie has a difficult task too. They must identify each person by correct name, title and duty. Since these items are never as cut and dry as they appear, your odds of pleasing everyone are slim to none.
“Dorothy, I’d like you to meet Kevin. Kevin is the…um…well…he does just about everything around here. Kevin, why don’t you tell Dorothy what it is you do.”
Awkward.
How do you think Kevin feels? In his world, what he does is of paramount importance, and it cuts when his boss, or another big wig, doesn’t get it. It’s a deflating feeling.
Also, employees often downplay what they do. Wrong move. You need to establish your importance with the organization to the rookie from the start. If you want to be respected out of the gate, you’re better off building yourself up higher rather than lower.
CLOSING NOTES
– The mass introduction should take place on the person’s first day.
– The mass introduction should include all levels of staff.
– Both the new hire and the supervisor should have a clear vision of what they want to get across.
– The supervisor should review everybody’s names and current title before making the rounds.
– The new hire should keep their hand warm and sweat-free. (Keeping it in a fist will help you from feeling like an icicle).
– The new hire should repeat the employee’s name right after meeting them so there’s a chance (though slim!) that you’ll remember their name tomorrow.
– Try to enjoy the mass introduction and understand why it’s a good thing.
As always, your thoughts and observations are encouraged. Tell us how you feel about the mass introduction.
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