5 ways to settle into a new team - Viewpoint - careers advice blog Viewpoint careers advice blog

5 ways to settle into a new team - Viewpoint - careers advice blog Starting a new job is one of the most stressful and exciting experiences you can go through. Settling into your new team is one of the many challenges you will face, but becoming a valued team member is key to your job satisfaction, workplace happiness and ultimately, your success â€" here’s how: 1. Find a mentor A mentor is more of a guide than a teacher My top tip for integrating into a new team is to find a mentor who can help you feel settled quickly. A mentor is more of a guide than a teacher. Make use of their knowledge, and in return offer whatever wisdom you may have acquired from your previous role. Building the relationship with your mentor will help you become accustomed to, and understand the company culture and personality. Their expertise will be invaluable as you integrate into the team. 2. Get involved Getting involved is a great way to endear your colleagues to you by showing that you’re a team player. Attend as many social events as possible. Work social events are the perfect way to get away from your desk and meet some of the biggest personalities in your new office. Whether that be the office five-a-side team, Friday drinks or breakfast club. Be careful not to take on too much, however. It’s tempting to take on as much as possible at the beginning and prove to everyone how competent you are, but don’t take on a workload in the first week that you don’t feel you’ll be able to maintain. 3. Build relationships Finding something in common with your colleagues is a good way to build bonds You will quickly work out which of your colleagues you will be working most closely with. So, spend extra time getting to know them better. Ask them lots of questions to get to know them; most people enjoy talking about themselves. Finding something in common with each of your colleagues is a good way to build individual bonds. Being approachable is also a fundamental part of building strong relationships. More people will come and introduce themselves if you wear a smile. 4. Embrace change It’s very easy when starting a new job to criticise practices that you aren’t used to. No one wants to hear about how much better your old job was.   The easiest way to earn respect is to be good at your job So try to bring solutions instead of criticism. Adapt yourself to your new team’s way of doing things instead of expecting them to adjust to yours. This advice applies from small things such as booking a meeting room up to embracing the wider ethos of the company. 5. What can you add? All teams have strengths and weaknesses. Being able to show you are adding value to the team is vital to integrating swiftly, so take time to work out what your colleagues are great at and then where your strengths could be best applied. The easiest way to earn your colleagues respect is always to be good at your job. A final thought Starting a new job is a chance to meet new people and develop your skillset. By embracing the company culture from day one and seizing every opportunity to become a bigger ambassador for your new employer the transition will be painless. Starting a new job soon? Read our tips and advice to ensure you get off to a strong start.   How to market yourself in your job search 10 ways to get noticed by your boss How I coped with relocating 11,000 miles for my new job, twice 10 daily habits to bring you career success 6 leadership styles you need to succeed How to get social media savvy in your job search 8 ways to fall back in love with your job How to build your personal brand online Share this blog: //