HP: Making Friends with the New Guy or Gal

Have you ever been the new kid at school?

Like when your parents moved when you were in 5th grade and you had to start at a new school where everyone already knew everyone else?

Well, that wasn’t me.  My parents never moved, BUT I’ve always been empathetic to folks facing the “new kid” syndrome. I’ve told my kids to be especially nice to any transfer students and think about how hard it would be to come into school knowing no one. They’ve amazed me by reaching out and showing new kids around, and in the process, making the “new kid” a “new friend.”

After the jump, HP updates that advice for the BigLaw crowd.

Now, what does this have to do with BigLaw…or the work environment in general?

(BTW, do you notice a lot of Hiring Partner’s advice relates to basic principles about getting along with others?, or things your mom told you? Basic social and moral courtesies should not fly away simply because the JD hangs on your wall, or because you walked into a suite with LLP on the wall).

Well…. as we all try to stay busy (read: bill hours) and develop our network/business, there’s a good source for you…..YES, the NEW KID…aka your new colleague.

Now, I am primarily thinking of the new partner, but this can be anyone.

It helps if they are senior to you and may need help. Even as a partner, I reach out to the New Kid partners. Why? Well, they are a source of work. They have clients who may also be …new (to you). They have other referrals.

Just like the new kid at school, the new kid in your office is stressed. They have a lot to deal with — if partners, they are transitioning clients, while trying to serve clients, trying to learn firm procedures, contacts, etc. While it is exciting, it also can be scary and overwhelming. That’s where you come in. Just like pointing the way to the cafeteria for Johnny, you can tell them who to go to for cutting through the red tape, where the best lunch burrito is, and how to get what they need fast. They will appreciate this and remember you.

Work wise, they are going to be unsure about who they can trust. Let’s say they have a client of 10 years who they have carefully maintained over the years with quick responses, solid counsel and ego stroking of the in-house attorneys.

Well, they are going to be cautious about introducing new people to the client. They want to know they can trust their new colleagues. If they come to you for expertise and you deliver – quickly, with a pleasant, willing attitude, on time, solid answers without excess — you will earn their trust and they will come back to you.

There – you have a new source of work, you will interact with new clients, and you have a new friend in the firm/organization. For all you know, your new friend will take some great in-house job in a few years and call on you to help! Or want you to join them.

See, a little effort can go a long way.

I swear this works.

My friend interacted well in the past with a new-ish client and within a month was already introduced to two new clients. My friend’s “new” firm friend kept coming back to her, and when management asked the new partner how things were going, she was telling them what a great resource my friend was. So many benefits to befriending the new kid!

So, remember people, STEP OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE.

Interact with different — NOT THE SAME — people, and think about new people who have joined your firm/organization.

Today and tomorrow are about expanding your network and to do that, you need to reach out.

Good luck and have fun!

Related posts:

1. Remember Who Your Friends Are
2. If At First You Don’t Succeed
3. Sharing is Not Caring – Part Deux
4. HP: Responsiveness – Plain & Simple
5. Taking One for the Team? Or Faking Enthusiasm