If You're New, Shut Up and Listen

Ever started a new job or joined a new group and wanted to make the "right" impression?

Ever felt you needed to say something, even if it's just to be heard?

Don't

A number of times I've seen people say completely irrelevant and stupid things in front of people they really don't want to be making a fool of themselves in front of, just because they felt they needed to "make an impression".

Trust me, first impressions count - and being a bit quiet is better than being a bit stupid.

Listen

The best way you ensure you say the right thing is to listen first.

Make sure you say things that are relevant and useful: the only way you can do this is to understand the context, the needs of the people involved in the conversation, and to respond accordingly.

I don't mean to be patronising

I guess this post is really aimed at new graduates and people with limited experience who have just joined a new job - and I hope if you're in this category and you read this it's of some help to you.

However, I also know the feeling myself - the need to "make an impression" - and it can actually get stronger the more senior you get. How do you establish yourself as the "expert", the "experienced" one with a new client?

If you're new to a project or client or company, remember to take it easy, shut up and listen first.

It can even be the clearest demonstration of experience there is anyway.