First days on the new job

Monday was my first day at the new job and I spent it in orientation.  I was grateful for the time to absorb the policies and procedures, make my benefit elections, and review the code of conduct.  Even though much of the information is not new to me, it is insightful to learn it through their culture.  At the start of the day, the facilitator opened the meeting with a reflection.  

"It takes a lot of courage to release the familiar and seemingly secure, to embrace the new. But there is no real security in what is no longer meaningful. There is more security in the adventurous and exciting, for in movement there is life, and in change there is power." - Alan Cohen

Beginning meetings with a reflection is something new I have to get used to working for a faith based organization.  I must admit, the reflection helped calm my nerves a bit.  

Orientation was scheduled for the entire day.  When I left, I had my email address and could access the system and all of the various tools.  I am amazed by all of the tools available and have my work cut out for me to get up to speed using them.

Today was my first day in the office.  I started the morning meeting with my boss.  He helped me lay out a plan for the next 30 days to meet key stakeholders that I will work closely with in my role.  He is putting out a system wide communication to announce my arrival to help facilitate these first meetings.

I began reviewing the intranet and they have a wealth of information available and many applications are self-service designed.  I noticed there was a bulletin announcement with a call for singers and pianists so I had to open it.  It turns out that there are times when there are liturgical services at the office for various events and there is a volunteer group of employees that sing.  I went ahead and sent an email to the organizer to indicate my interest in joining the group.  I was quickly added to the group Celebration Singers and I am already signed up to sing this Thursday at a dedication ceremony.  It is only two songs and one of them happens to be "We Are Called" by Marty Haugen.  I have only sung that song in church about 100 times.  What a great way for me to get to know people and give back during this introductory period where I am taking a lot!

I spent the majority of the day sending email introductions to key leaders to request meetings to get oriented.  Calendar is filling up already.

Tomorrow, I meet all of my peers in my first department managers meeting.