Mobility and flexibility are some of the watchwords of the 21st century workforce. People now take it for granted that they will be changing jobs frequently, moving from company to company and position to position. Besides the challenges presented by a new position (or the same position in a new location), you need to be able to adapt and succeed in a new environment. You have a new team, new structures, a new corporate culture, and maybe a new country with all its political, linguistic, religious, and cultural differences. So what is the best way to succeed?
There are 2 keys:
1. Build your network.
Whether it is a new company, or a new location, you will be surrounded by new people. These people are essential to helping you succeed, and so you need to know them, how they work and how they think. Take the time to cultivate individual relationships with them, even if you don’t work with them directly. The time you spend developing a trusted network will pay dividends in the future.
2. Understanding culture.
How does this organization work? Even if it’s the same company, a new location (even a different building down the street) can have a different culture. Take the time to learn about the larger culture. Each organization and location has its unique ways of reacting to authority, thinking about the best way to work together, and even ways of conversing. Go out and ask questions. Be genuinely curious and be willing to learn. You don’t have to adopt all aspects of the new culture, but you have to respect it if you want respect in return.
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 David Swain, BSc Mgmt., MSOD, CEC, PCC with over 30 years’ experience in both coaching the leaders of large organizations and leading them himself.
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