In the first few months of joining a new company, you may experience the excitement for a new adventure and apprehension about whether it will be a good fit. So, it can be disconcerting to notice that certain colleagues are not welcoming — and may even seek to undermine you. Not only can their behavior distract you from performing at your best, but their view can jeopardize your brand, especially if they are influential in the company.
Are You Worried That Your New Colleagues Resent You?
How to address the problem quickly.
December 16, 2020
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Summary.
Not everyone will be a fan of yours when you join a new company, and some may even actively undermine you despite your efforts to assimilate. But there are strategies you can use to build your influence where it counts and slowly open the door for initial naysayers to believe in you. To prevent the mistake of shattering norms and acceptable work styles in your organization before developing your brand, start creating a personal board of directors for honest insight and advice. Ask some of the more difficult people around you for ongoing feedback, not only to show a willingness to grow yourself but also to protect yourself against any potential sabotage. In one-on-one relationships, consider reaching out to a colleague who is particularly non-responsive or even actively undermining you and initiate a heart-to-heart conversation. Or, consider that it’s not you they resent, but rather what you represent. If you find out that certain colleagues are badmouthing you behind your back or making it difficult to collaborate early on, it’s fair to say they haven’t had much time to get to know you, so there may be factors at play that preceded your arrival.