Going from uni to full-time work is a culture shock. Don’t get me wrong; I love being responsible (and all grown up), despite the routine morning alarms, monotonous travel and other menials. I love my agency and I’m in an awesome team. I started working in media in Jan, so it’s a handy reminder of how long I’ve been in the industry as the New Year comes.
I’m pretty shy when starting new jobs or places. First days are always killer. “Head down, do you work, don’t ruffle any feathers and you’ll be fine” was my motto. This mindset may have worked, but as I discovered, is not effective long-term. My first day I was greeted with a loud and friendly “hiiiiiiii!” from a slightly overly tanned girl in my team (my trader). Another assertive welcome was given across my desk, from a lady with a steely demeanour (later known as my account manager). My first impressions, working in my team were:
1. Who are these people?
2. Why are they so loud?
It takes a while to get into a team’s dynamic or groove and sometimes people have to adjust or adapt. In my case, my team was witty, tough, loud, fast, honest, had a weird sense of humour, had an even weirder way of showing appreciation for others by giving them “crap” (my trader’s way of showing she loved me was saying “I’m going to stab you in the dark”). I was some of these things, but not all.
A great dynamic within a team is integral to work well. It takes some effort but a team that finds their right groove is a team that thrives and is happy. When dynamics change, either when people leave or get promoted, the groove needs to be found again. I quickly learned part of my new job was to help my team find its groove.
I may be referring to just getting along with the people you work with, which sounds simple enough, but when you think about it, but there are processes we go through to do this.
We learn how personalities react best with others. I’m not saying to change who you are, rather be smart about how you act and react. By understanding what makes us all tick you work better.
For me, I knew being the quiet nice one would not work with this team of misfits. As weeks went on, I decided speak up, be a little louder, some would say: grow a backbone. I was more honest, and vocal. We got there in no-time and my team was working in perfect sync.
For noobs starting in the industry it’s important to be brave and speak up. It’s the best time to share your point of view, having a go and taking risks.
I’m so grateful being an agency and industry that encourages bravery and pioneering. I love Henry Tajer’s (Mediabrands CEO and all round nice guy) philosophy of asking for forgiveness rather than permission. This notion is and essential driver for innovation and the essence of the media industry (please note: I do not condone any illicit activities of any kind). I encourage those just starting to keep this in mind when you start your job in this industry.
So speak up, take a risk and as the young say: YOLO.
John Principe
Account Executive
UM
THE ADNEWS NGEN BLOG: Growing a Backbone
10 December 2012