When I venture
into any new area,
whether it is a Facebook party
or a consulting gig
or dealing with a new customer,
I, first, observe
if that’s at all possible.
I get to a convention early
and watch a few panels
before I sit on a panel.
I tag along with a partner
when she deals with
a new-to-me customer
on another issue.
I spend some time
at a client
before suggesting change.
Anne Fannon,
director of WatPD,
shares*
“Be a cultural observer
during those first few days
and weeks.
The key task is
to figure out the social norms
and organizational culture
and how to be effective
in that context.”
Observe first.
Gain an understanding
of the situation.
THEN take action.
* The Fall 2016
Waterloo Magazine