Today I'm sharing a long-cherished checklist I recently unearthed from my computer after years of storage. This list served as my personal reminder during my first week at new companies—typically essential during the initial week: "Must-Do Tasks for Your First Week in a New Role."
1. Choose a seat near the aisle.
If the company has already assigned your seat and you have no choice, then of course you should accept it. But when given the option, I always choose a spot in the office's main thoroughfare, where people come and go, and the closer to the boss, the better. I know most people's choices are the exact opposite of mine. Readers who have attended my life lectures should have heard me explain the reason for this.
Psychologists have identified six "mental locks" to unlock when influencing others effectively. One is the "liking principle": people cooperate with you largely because they simply like you, and familiarity is a key factor in that liking. As a newcomer, I make a point of letting more people (especially the boss) notice my presence and get used to seeing me—but in a low-key, unobtrusive way, not by drawing attention to myself.As for those who retreat to hidden corners upon joining a company—let's be honest, everyone knows you're trying to avoid the boss or colleagues' gaze to do your own thing (even if you're not, others will assume so). Frankly, I'd be concerned about your future!
2.Stock up on candy and cookies
This one’s pretty obvious. Keeping snacks on your desk to share with colleagues creates a relaxed atmosphere for chatting and builds "positive associations"! What does that mean? Sugar boosts mood and satisfaction, and since you’re right there, people naturally associate that good feeling with you! That’s why couples always meet at restaurants.
But remember not to overdo it. Don't haul a giant Costco snack tub to your desk—this is an office, not a holiday market! Too obvious a trap won't catch any prey. Keep it "casual"—place snacks on your desk as if they're for yourself, but in quantities clearly too much for one person.My go-to excuse? "I've had a sensitive stomach since childhood. My doctor recommended eating small, frequent meals, so I get hungry often." (True story!)
3. Memorize coworkers' names and extensions
Communication guru Dale Carnegie said, "A person's name is the sweetest sound to their ears."The faster you can remember your colleagues' names and address them with the correct pronunciation, the more respect you show during your first week. Memorize their extensions too, because new hires often get stuck at their desks (while veterans are in meetings or out on business). If a call comes in and you answer it (don't dodge this part!), smoothly transferring it to the right person will earn you major points!
4.Memorize your phone script
Building on the previous point, new hires often panic when answering calls. But think about it—this might be your first external interaction (with clients, suppliers, or other departments) since joining the company. If you pick up the phone and respond with the poise of a seasoned pro, even if it's just for those few seconds of answering and transferring, I guarantee your boss and colleagues will silently nod: Hmm,this kid/colleague has real leadership potential!"
5. Reintroduce Yourself After Manager's Introduction
New managers often parade their hires around the office. I don't know about you, but I find these group introductions incredibly stressful—everyone feels stiff and just wants the awkwardness to end. That's why I usually pick a quieter moment to personally visit each colleague's desk and introduce myself again.With just the two of us, the second meeting feels much more relaxed. You can have a real conversation and leave a stronger impression. For conversation ideas, check out the next tip: 60-Second Common Ground Chat Practice.
6. 60-Second Common Ground Chat Practice
This exercise is crucial—best to practice it regularly!In the office, you can't engage in lengthy chats with colleagues, especially as a newcomer. Therefore, you must identify common ground with the other person in a very short time. For example, attending the same school, having two children, living in the same area, owning dogs, or coincidentally being able to touch your nose with your tongue... Whether it's truly "coincidental" isn't important. What matters is finding shared points in the conversation.Benefit 1: Another foundation of the "liking principle" mentioned earlier is "similarity." People naturally feel more favorable toward those who resemble them, so we need to establish mutual connections. Benefit 2: It helps your own memory. With so many people to meet in the first week, it's easy to get confused. You can use these common points to correctly identify someone. Seeing them will trigger: Ah, this is the director who also lives in Jingmei, and that's Jenny who has a cat.
7. Scouting the Break Room and Smoking Area
Offices often have so-called "sub-domains" where informal information exchange happens (office workers know what I mean). These areas carry a certain sensitivity, so newcomers shouldn't dive in headfirst unless you're confident in your social cues.When I enter a new environment, I'll casually observe these spots (while getting water, passing stairwells, or using the restroom), noting who's present but never initiating conversation. Why do this?Workplace politics, of course! If you notice certain colleagues being unusually friendly toward you right after you start, yet they frequently whisper with others in these sub-areas and fall silent the moment you approach—watch out for such individuals. By the way, here's my take on workplace politics: Where there are people, there's politics. The workplace itself is a political arena. It's unrealistic to expect to navigate the workplace while avoiding politics. Instead, learn to carefully master the "game."However, as a newcomer, you haven't had enough time to gather intelligence. At this stage, be careful not to get easily swept into any cliques. The above is based on my personal experience. With graduation season or the post-holiday period, many people are transitioning to new environments and companies. Here's my personal checklist for your reference!