When you move into a new group or company, you need to take the time to meet the team, learn more about them and the organization. It is a process that is similar to putting a puzzle together. You have a bunch of puzzle pieces on the table, but you aren’t quite sure what the full picture will look like yet. Where do you start?
- Who are the subject matter experts who can teach you the information that you need?
- How is the group organized and who does what?
- Who are your direct reports, peers, clients, management?
- How can you build relationships with all of the key stakeholders?
- Who are the decision makers and influencers?
- Who are the administrative team members that always know what is going on and can help you when you need information?
- Who are the connectors in the group that can introduce you to the key people you need to meet?
- Who are the people who get things done?
- Who are the people who are more creative and visionary?
Putting all of these puzzle pieces together helps you learn who you can trust and rely on for information. You want to build relationships with the people that consistently provide good information and help you think through things when you need to make tough decisions. Find team members that will share information with you and support you when you need it. You will need to leverage these relationships to get things done and to move things forward when there are obstacles that come up. Use the time when you first get started to focus on gathering this information and it will set you up for success.