The cooperative colleague

Starting any new venture such as moving, starting a new project, or entering into a new job can be filled with unknowns and uncertainties.  Simple tasks such as searching for forms, or knowing who to contact for information can significantly effect your ability to be effective in whatever you are trying to get accomplished or shift your mood for the day.  The initial learning curve when starting something new can be very steep depending on what processes are in place to accelerate learning and what the culture of the group is regarding maintaining uniformity and conformance among activities of the group.

I recently began work with a new organization, and it didn’t take long before I discovered how little I understood about the company culture, what the lines of authority are, and how to actually get tasks completed. Several individuals grinned with understanding of my struggles but did not provide any guidance from their own experience. Like an initiation ritual taking place, I was quietly being urged on to take up the challenge for tools, order, and process that those before me have already battled. If I was successful in surviving the early, unorganized days, as those before me had, I will have gone through a rites of passage and would allow me to become one of the team. I was becoming agitated from my lack of learning my duties, and proving value for the company in a more efficient manner.  In all my questioning and searching, one man provided a sense of stability.

Chris is one of my new work colleagues who holds a unique position in understanding the benefits of process and accelerated learning, yet his attitude has not yet been beaten down by the same challenges that the rest of the group experiences.  Chris is a level headed individual that sees the big picture on effective interaction between our role to organize, the clients needs, and company tools that help us to get things done. Rather than simply acknowledge my struggles, as his own from the past and has gone above and beyond to show me ways to increase my learning, navigate the organization, and has been the best source information and readiness on this new venture.

I am certain that his time spent with me slows down his workday, while stopping to answer my questions and explain how to best get things done within the system, At times he even risks his own productivity while he takes time to include me in activities that will benefit me in understanding the activities of the job, and how to adopt to the companies methods quickly.  Rather that sit back and allow me to struggle through a tedious self-learning process, he stepped up to help out, and make my transition much easier.

I take my hat off to this cooperative colleague who is going beyond his requirements to help me out.  His extra efforts and time may go unnoticed by the rest of the company, but I am one individual who appreciate and acknowledge the help he is providing.

Thank you Chris. 

Now go out and make it a great day, 
help a friend, thank a colleague, and learn something new.


Blaine.