Tags
Related Posts
Share This
The Art of Blending in Socially at Work
[ad]
Some of us, no matter how hard we try to conform to a circle of people, we just can’t blend in. Whilst we try to adapt to that circle, but there is so much we can do before we realize that we are no longer the same person we were before.
When I started my new job (which is very close to being my hobby!) in December 2007, I had a yobbo couple of months, trying to blend in with my team and colleagues. I was from a different industry though both are still sports-related, and I was amongst peers, as opposed to my former job where I ramped up a team of over 20 people reporting to me.
It took me a good couple of months to find my foothold , to firstly learn my trade, and then try blending in. I was more riveted towards getting myself confirmed, which I finally did, and only then I slowly started relaxing in terms of socializing. It was then I recognized that during the first 6 months, how introverted I became, something that my extroverted self had trouble swallowing.
Naturally, when I liaised with colleagues from other departments, I was at ease. When I’m back in my own team, I curbed myself. Maybe I don’t want my peers to think that I’m so outgoing that I’ll simply roll on the ground. I maintained boundaries, and to a certain degree, was a good thing, especially amongst your own team of peers.
Getting along during work and getting along outside work are 2 different things, and I realized I didn’t need to mesh up the two. I didn’t need to join them for lunch or to go to their houses to be accepted. I let my work speak for itself. I give my all to the team when it comes to work.
Sometimes, you just can’t blend in, no matter what you do. So, just embrace it and learn to acclimatize.
I’m going to start my new job early December and I’m wondering if I’ll ever blend in the new office!
Nick Phillips’s last blog post..A Broken Man
Yeah! Sometimes it’s hard to blend in. but boundaries and lines must be drawn. =)
i guess this is the common fear with every new company, not being able to blend it. but if kenot blend then just take it easy lah
Nick Phillips – You will I’m sure, learning to adapt is part of the process.
tekkaus – Correct, boundaries is KEY.
xin – Yeah, it is a common fear, especially if the industry is different. The onus is on us to put our heads down, and learn as much as we can. That’s what I did. I rolled up my sleeves.
Hope you can blend in, it’ll probably take some time. Good Luck! : )
foongpc’s last blog post..How To Make Anyone Fall In Love With You
foongpc – I already am. Just need a few tweaks to adapt.
Dont worry mate, I dont blend in either. If people like me, great, if they dont then such is life. You are a good bloke, who does a great job, so if I were you I would just keep doing what you are doing and make sure you enjoy it – that is the key to life. I love the fact that you work hard and do your job well rather than piss pot about anyway!!
Jules
Blending in at a routine social gathering such as work or a club can take quite a bit of restraint. One would do well to hold back from pointing out numerous items going on in other parts of their living. Too much release of information can lead to others questioning your motives, and this can lead down a path of being categorized as a certain type of person.
Armen Shirvanian’s last blog post..Ways To Respond To Events Presented To You
Julian – Thanks Jules, much appreciated. I’m enjoying myself.
Armen – Yeah, a little bit of restraint does help especially when you’re trying to define the boundaries. Else, people will jump over your head. This is specifically for work where being serious-minded is required most of the time.