10 tips for earning respect in a new workplace

Whether you’re just entering the working world or making a career change, it’s challenging to be new to a professional environment.

What’s even more difficult is being new to a team that has spent years or decades creating a culture, developing common ways of doing things, and building a shared understanding. It can feel awkward, uncomfortable, and lonely.

It doesn’t have to be, though. There are several things you can try, whether you’re new to the field, to the world of work, or to a particular department or company.

1. Set realistic expectations. You cannot go into a new job and expect that everyone will automatically show you respect based on your qualifications. New leaders, particularly, make that mistake all too often.

2. Invest your time in building relationships. Internal networking is important for everyone, but it’s especially so for new professionals. Go beyond your team or department and make sure you are building relationships with other employees and departments, your customers, leaders in the organization, vendors, and all other stakeholders.