Onboarding – experienced manager but Newbie in TIC

Starting a new job is exciting for lots of reasons. We meet new people, new environments, new set of responsibilities, new skills, and become part of a new team. But there are several things we must follow before we can make a success out of our new role.

Better than the Honeymoon

A new job comes with a lot of excitement, anxiety, and change. In the first days, we need to make the right impression on the right people within the organisation while quickly understanding the finer nuances of the job. For me, I not only try to quickly learn the ropes but also explore ways to expand my knowledge and skills. Although it is said that for a new employee, the first few months are the “honeymoon period”. I instead use this period to set myself up for success in my new organisation.
Moving out of my previous organisation was one of the most stressful decisions I had to take in my life. I had worked at an educational institution for almost two decades. But I was impressed by the strength of TÜV Rheinland which is wonderful and diverse. With our reach, we can add value to our people, customers, and communities. So my first few months have not just been challenging but interesting as well.
When I joined TÜV Rheinland NIFE in August 2019, the Human Resources department introduced me to the team. My first task was to learn the structure of vocational education and to understand the sales ethos of the organization. Since I have been in the education industry for two decades, it was known territory to me and I felt confident about handling the day-to-day operations.

One change at a time

One of the most important things to do when you start a new job is to sit down with your boss and set clear expectations and understand the responsibilities. Firstly, you should focus on establishing yourself as a conscientious employee.
At the outset, I was cautious about the changes I wanted to bring into the organization as I did not want to make any adverse changes which would overwhelm employees. So I started off by bringing in a few changes in daily operations such as introducing new systems, reports, and dashboards which were well received by the team.
By the end of six months, we reorganized the branch sales and operational structure. It was during this period that I learnt that flexibility is crucial if your ideas and initiatives need to be implemented. And by the end of February, things finally started to turn around and I could see some positive outcomes with the changes I had initiated.

The Six-month snooze

‘Six Month Snooze’ is the moment when you’ve finally become comfortable in your new role and you can start to breathe easily. Getting settled in takes time, and reaching that point of comfort should be the priority in the first few months of a new job. Additionally, we need to solidify relationships and trust with our colleagues. I make sure to have coffee with them or grab a quick lunch and get to know them not only as colleagues but also as people. This has helped establish supportive relationships while at the same time making sure that things get implemented seamlessly.
My new role at TÜV Rheinland was exciting and scary at the same time. In the first few months, I faced some challenging times while trying to implement the changes I had in my mind. Now I am being faced with a different set of challenges with the global economy being adversely impacted due to the spread of Covid-19. This pandemic has disrupted supply chains, global trade, cash flow, and the workforce. There is a lot of anxiety amongst our employees, students, and stakeholders.
We are making significant efforts to prepare our business for these unpredictable times while navigating financial and operational challenges. We are moving forward in this time of uncertainty with a strategy of preparedness, action, and togetherness — as a company and as a family. Despite all the challenges, our employees are stepping up and doing what it takes day in and day out to get through these troubled waters.

A new job with meaning and future

Job or work is an important aspect of an individual’s life and it occupies a lot of personal and professional time compared to any other activity. In today’s competitive world the biggest challenge which organizations face is keeping talented employees content. A satisfied employee is always important for an organization as the person aims to deliver the results to the best of his capability. The vocational division at TÜV Rheinland NIFE Academy targets the underprivileged segment and I’m more than satisfied playing a role that can make a small difference in someone’s life. It gives me immense pleasure to serve the community and create a difference in today’s generation. I look forward to unearthing possibilities, facing challenges, pursuing knowledge, and committing to society.