been new on a scene before? sure you have – grade school, college, a sports team, a neighborhood, a gym or a party with others who are close friends. there are probably plenty of approaches to these new situations BUT i believe there is one critical key, particularly when you are new to a leadership environment:

Learn as much as you can about the new culture while engaging as yourself - not who you think they might want you to be.

don’t over power the situation by drawing attention to yourself with humor, credentials or your ‘knowledge’. don’t hide in the corner or withdraw either – you won’t get everything you really need to know by observing from that distance. your first impression will invariably last for quite a while so be sure to be authentic and intentional.

here are some things to consider:

• ask questions about the environment
• take note of the relationship dynamics
• watch who follows who (especially when it isn’t related to an org chart)
• engage in one-to-one conversations
• push through your feelings to just ‘hang out’ or lay low
• accept as many social invitations as will fit into your schedule (select a healthy limit)
• make connections that you can follow up on in the future (get an email address at the very least)
• be a gracious guest
• serve other, don’t just be served
• wait on drawing conclusions or assumptions — give yourself time to get to know people.