7 Pieces of Advice I Wish Someone Had Given Me When I Started Working

So you've worked hard to graduate from school or university, and you're ready to make your mark on the big, bad world. You enter your new job, full of confidence but it's easy to self-sabotage, like I did, by not following some of the following lessons I've learnt over many years.

1. Don't be a Know-It-All
There is only so much school books and a classroom environment can teach you. You may have aced all your exams but you'll realise there's so much about your new job that isn't covered in textbooks. No one likes a know-it-all. It's annoying and could alienate you very quickly from your co-workers and even your bosses. Be ready and willing to learn!

2. Be respectful
Be conscious that your co-workers have been there longer than you, and may have established ways of working. Understand also that no man is an island, and you are part of a bigger team working towards the same organisational goals. So make sure you acknowledge your co-workers and that your words and actions don't work against them. Be careful not to step on any toes!

3. Don't be afraid to ask for help
There are no stupid questions. You are much better off admitting that you don't know how to do something and asking for help. It sure beats doing something wrong and having to clean up your mistakes, which might be a greater inconvenience to others.

4. Be thankful
Now if you've received a helping hand from a co-worker, remember to show your appreciation. We're not talking about wine or flowers here, just a simple ‘thank you' in person or email will suffice.

5. Watch and listen
An important part of learning on the job is listening carefully to instructions and pay attention when you are being shown how to do stuff. Take notes, where necessary. Watch and listen to how people interact with one another and get to know who's who in the zoo.

6. Own up to your mistakes
It's important to bear in mind that everyone makes mistakes, and it's never a smart move to attempt to cover it up or worse still, lie. Don't be afraid to fail. An awesome boss once asked me what I have learnt from a project that didn't go as well as planned, and what I would do differently in the future. I told him and he said “Great.” That was all. I didn't just feel relieved, I actually felt empowered and it was one of the greatest learning experiences of my career.

7. Take your time
Sometimes we can also be our worst enemy, and become too hard on ourselves. Remember that no one expects you to know everything at once, so set realistic expectations for yourself. There's no rush.