New co-worker

[BitsyNaceyDog]

I'm a stay at home mom now, but when I was working out of the house I helped "pick" new employees. My boss, the owner, had the final say, but as her manager I helped in the hiring process.

Usually our problem lied when my boss hired someone without my "help". She hired one woman who in her first week was late or had and "emergency" and had to leave early 3 times. I gave her a second chance after the first time. The second time I told my boss I couldn't have this happening everyday and she needed to be told to get her act straight, I could do it or she could. My boss said she'd take care of it, but it happened a third time before she could talk to the new woman. I was ready to fire her at that point, my boss said "no, I'll talk to her and give her one more chance." I was furious, this was a grown woman and she should know better. Anyway, my boss told her to shape up or she was out. She was much better after that, she even worked up to assistant manager.

My point is give them a chance. Maybe give them some pointers and assistance to help them fit in. Some people will still not work out, but maybe some of them will.

[Cataholic]

I consider myself pretty lucky in the employement arena. I have had 2 long term jobs since beginning my professional career. I am excluding the summer temp jobs. I tend to like most people. I also tend to be a hard worker, and kind of bright (not smart, bright) in that I catch on fast.

However, I also tend to be a know-it-all (I know that is shocking to most of you), and I ALWAYS know a better way to do things (smirk). I have learned that last trait really, really, really rubs people the wrong way. Coming into a place, new on the scene, with youthful exuberance and innovative ideas raises the hackles of the old timers, no matter how great the idea may be. An outsiders fresh look at a company seems to frighten people. That causes tension in the work place, and can make people bristle- both ways.

So, I cut people a break, go out of my way to be friendly and personable, and remember that starting a new job is one of the most stressful environments that exists. I also remember that new ideas, attitudes and individuals are what makes going into work each day so much fun. I mean that last part. I work with, and have usually worked with, a great group of people that care about me, as I care about them. People don't have to think just like me in order for me to like them. (It helps....it helps...).

I work with someone now that formed a pretty quick opinion of me, and it was NOT favorable. Frankly, I think she was wrong to judge me. BUT, today? 10 years later? We are the best of friends. I try not to make snap decisions about people...but, my inklings are usually correct.