How to work with a new team.

I can’t claim to be shy anymore. I’ve found ways to be outgoing and social when, on the inside, I just want to go hide. So when I walk into a brand new office on a Monday morning and meet up with a brand new team on a brand new project, here’s what I do:

Be positive.

OK, I’m sure this sounds like a no brainer. But I’m amazed that people don’t do it. A “yes, let’s DO this!” attitude goes a long way.

Be open.

You may not be doing exactly what you thought you would, you might eat lunch late, you might be thrown into a client meeting. Who knows, just go with it.

Remember names.

Yeah, I’m the worst at this.

Be nice.

Especially to the people at the front desk or whoever did the behind-the-scenes work to set things up.

Get in front of it.

Try to anticipate what the team might need. It’s always easier to work from someone’s draft than start from scratch. Make that draft.

Do something different.

If everyone is doing one thing, do another. Do the thing that no one is thinking of or wants to do.

It’s been fun. I’m looking forward to more tomorrow.