BUILDING GOOD RELATIONSHIPS WITH YOUR COLLEAGUES

Sharp Consultancy Supports Yorkshire Children’s Charity’s annual schools day out at Cannon Hall Farm.

On Wednesday, September 11th, half of our staff from both the Sheffield and Leeds offices volunteered to support Yorkshire Children’s Charity. Each year, this charity provides hundreds of children from schools across Yorkshire with the opportunity to enjoy a fantastic day out at Cannon Hall Farm, and they rely on many volunteers to make this happen.This year, over 600 children who might otherwise not be able to enjoy a day trip like this, partook in what turned out to be a brilliant day. Yorkshire Children’s Charity is very close to our hearts here at Sharp Consultancy as not only is it focused on the county we call home, the charity helps children who for a variety of reasons, are in a position of disadvantage. For many of these children, this was their first visit to a farm and possibly their first experience outside their local area. Apart from a brief deluge for 10 minutes at the start of the day and a light shower at the end the day, the rain mostly stayed away. The team from Sharp Consultancy, along with many other volunteers helped get the packed lunches delivered, drinks poured, biscuits distributed and joined the teachers showing the children around the farm – from reptile houses to the pig pens (much holding of noses and retching noises!), tractor rides to see Llama’s and reindeer, sheep racing, ferret racing, meerkats and mongoose. It was a day like no other.No matter how old you are, if you think back really hard, you can probably just about remember the first time you saw a snake or huge monitor lizard in a zoo; or goggled at the size of a shire horse and the amazement you felt – multiply this by 608 children and you might just have some idea how special the day was. And don’t children ask the best questions. I have never been asked so many questions I didn’t know the answer to – ‘Why do snakes put their heads in that position?’ Why are some leaf cutter ants carrying leaves to their nest and some carrying them away from their nest?’ Why is that cow laying down and that one stood up?’ my answer – ‘it must be tired’ – there response ‘what’s it been doing to get tired?’ Or my favourite ‘What can run faster, a meerkat or a ferret?’. The team here at Sharp Consultancy had an amazing day (I think if enjoyment could be measured, we’d have given the children a run for their money!) It was a humbling and enlightening experience and on occasions, very emotional (my word, you really appreciate just exactly how lucky you are and have been). Most of all though it was a delight to meet 608 amazing young people, dozens of teachers and assistants (you really are heroes, and nothing will make me change my mind on that) and all our fellow volunteers and charity employees Annabel and Abbie – join the teachers in our collective hero worship. A day to remember…forever.

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Get off on the right foot and quickly settle into your team with our top tips for getting the most out of those early weeks in a new job.

Be prepared to help – and don’t wait to be asked!

Show that you are proactive by offering to assist with particular tasks – as well as giving you the opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge it will also give you a chance to learn more about the processes and systems that are used within the team. Whilst you are getting up to speed, be careful that you don’t take on too much or volunteer for something which you are not comfortable tackling. And remember, your own workload and responsibilities will quickly increase as you settle into your role.

Be reliable – and if you need help, ask for it

Even if you are highly experienced in your role, you will still need time to get up to speed on the particular systems and working methods within your new company. If you are unsure about something don’t be afraid to ask. Also make sure that you are clear on any deadlines that need to be met and that you understand what is required from you and in what format.

Share your experience and be proactive

Whilst it is important to take time to learn about the business, don’t be afraid to demonstrate your worth and share your knowledge and experience. By making useful contributions to meetings, offering suggestions on alternative approaches to tasks and sharing your opinion on the best course of action you will show that you are someone who is keen to be involved and can be a team player.

Avoid office politics

Make sure you keep relationships professional especially in the early days when you are trying to establish who everybody is. Saying too much about a mutual acquaintance, sharing negative opinions about your former colleagues or company or making jokes at other people’s expense won’t do you any favours in the long run. Being polite and friendly and showing your worth through your efforts and expertise will pay dividends long-term.

Take time to get to know everyone

It is vital that you make time to speak to your line manager and establish lines of communication and reporting during your early weeks. It is also equally important that you get to know people right throughout the business. Your line manager will more than likely seek the thoughts of your peers as to how they see you settling into the team so ensure that their feedback presents you as positive, proactive and someone they think they can work with

Sharp Consultancy specialises in the recruitment of temporary, interim and permanent finance professionals. With offices in Leeds and Sheffield our highly experienced team of consultants recruit for positions throughout Yorkshire and beyond. CONTACT US today.