Senior Consultant Chris Prees considers how teamship and having the right mindset can make probationary periods an enjoyable experience.
Four months ago, while looking for my next opportunity, I received a call asking if I was available for a change management role in a company based in Birmingham.
The role was a perfect fit for me; it aligned with my personal values and career aspirations, so naturally I said that I would love to apply.
Three months later, I have ‘passed’ my probationary period and have a few thoughts on mindset and teamship in a new role.
Having been made redundant last year, I quickly made the decision that this wasn’t going to be a ‘negative’ period of my life. Instead, it gave me the opportunity to push myself and achieve the next goal in my career.
As anyone knows, the recruitment process can be a very stressful experience. “Sorry, we will not be taking you to the next stage” can hugely impact your confidence and your mindset. I was determined that this wasn’t going to be the case.
The mindset I have always had is to be the best at whatever I am doing, despite the circumstances. I always remember a famous quote about not letting your past define your future. Having this mindset has certainly helped the last few months fly by.
Of course, probation is a key part of employment but, like anything else, the way in which we approach probation and the mindset we have will determine the outcome; nothing else.
Probationary periods can be scary, highly pressured when you know you must deliver for your family. You may feel that you must go over and above, proving your worth as an employee and as an investment.
I didn’t get that feeling at Curium. I was ‘in’ the team from the start, part of something bigger, already cheering me on and fighting for me.
The importance of having teamship in an organisation is, to me, more critical than ever in today’s society and has proven itself personally over the past few months.
It has been a refreshing change to be in an environment where you know that your colleagues are with you every step of the way. Knowing that you can call on such a talented and amazing group of people if you need help is such a confidence boost.
The sense that we are achieving together and not on our own has definitely helped the past three months go well and has given me the confidence to do what I do best.
In a TetraMap facilitators’ day I saw this quote and it really impacted me: “If your presence doesn’t make an impact, your absence won’t make a difference!” The same goes for probation. If we aren’t making an impact it will not matter if we aren’t there.
When you have the right job, the right people and the right mindset, you will succeed. So be encouraged, probation doesn’t have to be a bad thing!
