“Wonder Woman Files” is a weekly career column onMadame Noire. Stay tuned for more topics, comment or write us ateditors@madamenoire.comif you have suggestions!
This week, Bravo announced the two new cast mates joining the Real Housewives of Atlanta. While the women with the peaches in their hands have had their fare share of less-than-professional moments (“Who gon’ check me boo?” comes to mind), the changes made me think about my own work experiences of late. How a Madame handles newbies in the office can say more about her than the fresh meat. To make sure you don’t find yourself “getting checked” by newbies, stick to these five rules for handling newbies at the job:
Accept the new cast – Your new cast mate may have taken the spot of someone you got along with on the job, clicked with during lunch time. It’s tough, but no matter how much you loved your own Lisa Wu Hartwell, the cameras are rolling. The worst way to get outdone by a newbie is to be clinging to last season. You can be a good friend, you can keep in touch but focusing why your old coworker isn’t around is not the way to make sure you stay.
Be Welcoming – As women we often get a bad rep especially about how we treat other women in ‘our’ setting. Disprove the stereotype, dub yourself social extraordinaire like Dwight and become part of the welcome committee. Tell them about the schedule, the dress code and even places to eat. Why be so nice? It shows you’re not intimidated about sharing, that you’re secure enough about where you are. (Special Note: don’t give the newbie e-ver-y-thing though. You’re not the yellow pages, so don’t let the newbie flip your pages and tear out your time.)
Get The Scoop I’m not saying you should get a P.I., but I will say, “Google.” Where your new coworker’s been before she came into your space is important!
Be Camera Ready – No, no, by camera ready, I don’t mean reach for your blot sheets, I mean we mean “firing squad” ready. Come into every meeting, presentation or chance encounter 100 percent prepared. Know your information inside and out. The newbies may not even be watching but it doesn’t matter…your audience is your boss.
Keep Your Role – Do not let the newbies switch up your game. You can always use some self-reflection, but don’t try to do a life makeover because the newbie makes you feel some sort of way. Show that you expect respect, by how you walk, talk and behave in general.
