First impressions work both ways. It’s a given that new
employees are (often inadvertently) subject to not so subtle a scrutiny by
employers and colleagues during the first couple of weeks of their joining. But
what is often disregarded is the fact that employees too are judging the
company minutely, and as exaggerated as it may sound, their collective
impressions are going to shape its future.
I have always been particularly interested in the human
element of any corporate business. Whether it is human resource, customer
service, or talent acquisition & retention, it’s the intangible quality of
the human element of organizations that fascinates me. Metrics fall short of
measuring this attribute, yet it is this quality that proves to be the most
accurate predictor of a company’s future success.
A warm and welcoming first day at work, friendly,
approachable colleagues, a manager who has faith in my abilities, and senior
staff that gives credit to my experience was what I encountered as a new hire
at my current location. And I will take this opportunity to add that it has
been my good fortune to have previously worked with employers who have always
valued and appreciated my efforts. The mutual respect between us continues even
today, years after I have moved on.
In my opinion, that is real success for any company – the
fact that previous employees still vouch for an organization and speak with
nostalgia about the time spent there. For all the material wealth a business
may create, the goodwill that is generated between people far surpasses every
other parameter of success.
As businesses strive to get ahead of their competition,
drive more sales and generate greater profits, they need to focus on their most
valuable resource – their employee. Investing in this resource is an everyday
affair – it is a delicate rapport that is steadily built, bit by bit, at every
interaction. At the heart of this rapport is trust, respect and a belief in the
best that the employee can offer (unless absolutely proven otherwise). It
involves casting aside preconceived notions and prejudices, valuing the
differences and judging every individual as a unique entity.
The first few weeks in my new role have brought in a haul of positive impressions for me. As I dive headlong to work on my tasks with complete sincerity and integrity, I hope to achieve success and watch the company grow from strength to strength – both tangibly & intangibly.
