Navigating the Unspoken Rules of Work with VP of HR Mary Kerbs
Oct 1, 2024
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Mary Kerbs, the VP of Product HR at LinkedIn, shares her expertise gained from over 25 years in HR. She discusses the unspoken rules of workplace dynamics and the importance of building relationships. Listen in as she reveals strategies for successfully navigating the critical first 30, 60, and 90 days in a new role. Mary emphasizes setting personal success metrics, mastering goal setting, and understanding company culture to make early contributions. She also addresses the essential role of HR in fostering workplace equity and supporting new hires.
Proactively communicating with your manager and setting clear expectations is essential for navigating the complexities of a new job.
Utilizing HR as a supportive resource can empower new employees by providing guidance and clarifying workplace dynamics during integration.
Establishing strong interpersonal relationships with colleagues fosters a sense of trust and teamwork, enhancing overall workplace satisfaction and collaboration.
Deep dives
Setting Yourself for Success in a New Job
Starting a new job can be overwhelming, and establishing a solid foundation is crucial. Understanding the unspoken rules of the workplace, such as being proactive in communicating with your manager, can help navigate uncertainties. Setting metrics for personal success early on enables individuals to track their own progress rather than relying solely on external evaluations. A structured approach, including creating a personalized 30, 60, 90-day plan, can aid in prioritizing tasks while also assessing cultural fit within the company.
Leveraging HR as a Resource
Human Resources should not just be viewed as a punitive body but as an essential support system for new employees. They can provide guidance and help navigate workplace dynamics that might feel intimidating. Engaging with HR allows employees to ask questions they may hesitate to raise with their manager, ensuring clarity and smoother integration into the work environment. Understanding the resources available through HR can empower employees, making them feel more supported as they transition into their roles.
Assessing the Work Environment
During the first few months at a new job, employees are encouraged to evaluate their workplace environment actively. Green flags, such as supportive colleagues and open communication channels, indicate a healthy work culture. Conversely, red flags like lack of support, poor communication, and feeling undervalued signal potential issues. A balanced perspective of both personal performance and the company's responsiveness can furnish insights essential for long-term career satisfaction.
Communication and Non-Negotiables
Establishing clear lines of communication with managers is vital in the early phases of employment. Employees should define their non-negotiables regarding work expectations and cultural values to ensure alignment with their new workplace. Regular check-ins with managers can help track progress and clarify any misalignments, creating a framework for success. This proactive approach not only helps employees feel valued but also promotes a sense of agency within their roles.
Building Relationships at Work
Developing strong relationships within the workplace can significantly enhance the work experience and future collaboration. Engaging with colleagues on a personal level lays the groundwork for trust and teamwork. Understanding the social dynamics and taking the time to meet others, even casually, can help integrate into the office culture. Establishing these connections helps create a supportive environment where individuals feel they can thrive and contribute meaningfully.
There’s no rulebook when it comes to finding your place at work. Yet somehow, you’re expected to understand office politics, build work relationships, and impress your boss. In this episode, Gianna and Jamé talk with VP of Product HR at LinkedIn Mary Kerbs about how to set yourself up for success during those first 30, 60, and 90 days on the job.
Do you have any burning questions about work? We want to hear them! You can email us your questions at letstalkoffline@linkedin.com.
And thank you to Mary Kerbs for joining us this week! Follow Mary on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryquinnkerbs).
For more, follow Gianna (http://linkedin.com/in/giannaprudente) and Jamé (http://linkedin.com/in/jamejackson) on LinkedIn and subscribe to Gianna’s weekly newsletter: https://linkedin.com/letstalkoffline.
Credits Gianna Prudente - Co-host, Early Career Development Editor, LinkedIn Jamé Jackson - Co-host, Community Manager, LinkedIn Sabrina Fang - Producer, Western Sound Maya Pope-Chappell - Director of Content & Audience Development, LinkedIn Jessi Hempel - Chief Content Officer, LinkedIn Savannah Wright - Senior Producer, Western Sound Sarah Dealy - Associate Producer, Western Sound Alex MacInnis - Engineer, Western Sound Courtney Coupe - Head of Original Programming, LinkedIn Dan Roth - Editor in Chief, LinkedIn Ben Adair - Executive Producer, Western Sound Katrina Norvell - Executive Producer, iHeartMedia Nikke Ettore - Executive Producer, iHeartMedia