As corporate actors, we are at times expected to “hit the ground running” because the organization does not have the luxury of time for certain things to be done.

I recall an experience I had and would like to share some learning points I picked up and continue to refine to this date.

Prior to my engagement, I was told that the organization was looking for someone with qualities of identifying gaps and filling them, literally from the start. I was given a fixed period to deliver which meant I was on hot tar from the moment I set foot on the ground.

My first engagement was was a meeting in the organization. I noticed that one of the key deliverables of the meeting was not presented in accordance with best practice. I saw it as a glaring issue and in my signature fashion at the time (which I believe I have grown from), I did not mince my words in highlighting them. Remember, this was my first interaction with my new workmates, some of whom knew nothing about me.

I remember a chilling silence after I made my submission. Then the Chairperson said… “I agree that this document is devoid of some essential components. Can we restructure it please?”.

Whereas my submission was factually and technically correct, with hindsight, I think that I was not emotionally intelligent in my delivery of the point I raised. I think that I exposed myself to wrong perceptions as to my personality. I think that some may have thought, “Wow, first day of work and she is already bringing the house down!”.

I started feeling misunderstood on the basis of my posture and direct response to issues. Further, I felt that the fact that my communication style involves eye contact (which is a good thing, by the way!) didn’t deliver my intended impact!

I decided to make efforts to change what I had contributed to perceptions about me that could have come from that interaction. I hope that I succeeded!

When you are given a task which requires you to act with extraordinary speed and efficiency, be mindful that the organization you have joined was there before you. Of the things you have been tasked to address, take some time from the tight schedule to understand the issues and what could have led to the current state of affairs.

Evaluate the different communication channels and approaches available to achieve the desired results in the least abrasive manner. Explore engagements that will help motivate the team to pull in the right direction without feeling as though they are incapable of doing the right thing. For example, if you have been told from the start that there is a gap in a certain area, do you need to emphasize it at every opportunity or would it be better that you take note of the issues and address them later with a smaller group responsible for the strategy of bridging the gap so that the mode of communication can be agreed?

Always watch where you are going!

Let’s share!