Being the New Guy at Work

Entering the workforce is exciting and overwhelming. Below are strategies to help you thrive.

  1. Embrace a Growth Mindset. Approach your work with curiosity. Mistakes are inevitable, but they offer invaluable lessons. Ask questions, seek feedback, and view challenges as opportunities to improve.
  2. Build Relationships. Take time to introduce yourself to colleagues, learn their names, and understand their roles. Building rapport early fosters a supportive network and helps you integrate more smoothly.
  3. Observe and Adapt. Observe communication styles, decision making processes, and workplace etiquette. Adapting and respecting the existing norms will show your professionalism.
  4. Prioritize Time Management. Organize your day with to-do lists or digital tools to be proactive about your priorities.
  5. Stay Open to Feedback. Instead of viewing feedback as criticism, consider it a guide to improving your skills and performance. Show your willingness to learn. Respond positively and implement suggestions.
  6. Invest in Yourself. Whether it’s learning new software, attending training, or seeking a mentor, employers value individuals who commit to growing.
  7. Be Positive. Approach each day with enthusiasm and resilience. Positivity is contagious and helps to navigate challenges more effectively.


  • Dear Dr. Mimi – Disturbed

    Dear Dr. Mimi,I have a coworker who keeps talking negatively to me and complains about their personal life. It’s very irritating. I’ve tried to act uninterested and hoped they would take the hint, but they keep talking to me when I am trying to work. What should I do? —Disturbed Dear Disturbed, We all have…


  • Dear Dr. Mimi – BabySitter

    Dear Dr. Mimi,My boss has me mentoring the new hire, even though I am not qualified, nor required, to train them. How do I tell my boss that I am not qualified to teach him? I feel like I’m a babysitter, and I am falling behind on my own work. What do I do? —Babysitter…


  • Strategies for Training New Employees

    Effective onboarding and training provides clarity, reduces confusion, and fosters early success. This helps new hires understand their roles and connects them to the company’s culture, values, and goals. Here are some key strategies. Create a Structured Onboarding Program. Provide a schedule, assign mentors or buddies, and introduce them to key systems and team members.…