Thursday, December 30, 2010

Article on Introduction

Wrote the following, thought I'd share:

How to properly introduce someone, especially a new joiner
Make it about the person. Frequently, when we do our rounds with our new joiners, we fall into the habit of chatting with our colleagues on topics that we are interested in but the new joiner has absolutely no clue about, like the Christmas party last year and how the reports are coming along etc. This reflects badly on the introducer and the company. The new joiner will be dis-oriented and feel unwelcomed.
When introducing someone, maintain professionalism and relevance, avoid giggling about something that any one party is out on the joke. Steer the conversation such that your colleagues don't lead you into a private chat.

A) Address the more senior person first.
If you are introducing the new joiner (Harry) to someone more senior (Albus) in the company, this is how the introduction should go:
Albus, this is our new joiner, Harry. Harry, this is Albus of XX department. Albus, Harry joins us from XX co./university. He will be performing the role of ABC in our team.
If you are introducing the new joiner to someone junior (Gin),
Harry, this is Gin, she performs the role of XX in team YY. Gin, this is Harry, a VP in our team and he will be taking charge of ABC going forth.
Always introduce the background of the new joiner, especially if he is an experienced new hire and not fresh out of school. Do not simply say, "This is Harry, a new joiner to our team". A proper introduction will assist your colleagues to determine how to welcome the new comer appropriately.
B) Help the 2 persons get acquainted and thus allow the new comer to be welcomed into the bank by the individual
Mention common grounds, or possible areas where the 2 may interact. E.g. Albus is in charge of project A which you will be a part of, OR, Like yourself, Albus is Canadian.
Avoid topics that will spark so much interest that the 2 may engage in more than a 2 mins conversation or may end up leaving you out of the conversation. If you feel that the conversation is getting carried away, end it by expressing how glad you are that they have found a common topic and suggest they go out for lunch sometime, and move on.
C) Manage the situation
Be sensitive to the conversation. If you sense a subtle power struggle ie, one putting another down etc, gently end the introduction and move the new comer away. Reflect if you have caused the hostility by mis-managing the introduction and take care not to repeat the mistake.
D) Remember that the introduction is about the newcomer, and not about you. You should do your networking separately
E) Only introduce key stakeholders on the first day
One can only remember 5 to 10 people at 1 go, some even less. Make sure you prioritize. Introduce in sequence of importance. If you are entering an area where a team is required to be introduced, introduce the team name, and your new comer. Promise the team that you will come back another time to acquaint them one by one with the newcomer.
F) Introduction does not stop after day 1
If you have been in the firm for a long time, it is easy to forget how a newcomer may not even know who to contact in the IT /HR department. Help them build the relationship as an ongoing process. You will find that your attentiveness and considerate actions will build you strong relationships not just with the new comer, but with your colleagues who are impressed by your professionalism.

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