Keith Rollag

What to Do When You're New by Keith Rollag is a practical guide for anyone facing the challenges of being new in a particular workplace, community, or social setting.

Overview

In this book, Keith Rollag explores the experiences of people who are new to a group and provides valuable advice on how to navigate unfamiliar situations and build successful relationships. As an expert in organizational behavior and management, Rollag draws from years of research and personal experiences to develop strategies for overcoming the inherent difficulties of being the "newbie" and turning them into opportunities for growth and advancement.

Key Points / Ideas

Rollag presents several key points and ideas throughout the book, focusing on the overarching theme of approaching new experiences with curiosity and a learning mindset.

1. Cultivate a Beginner's Mind: Rather than feeling overwhelmed or intimidated by new situations, Rollag encourages readers to embrace a "beginner's mind" – a mindset characterized by curiosity, self-awareness, and a willingness to learn. By adopting this mindset, individuals are more likely to seek information, ask questions, and actively engage with others, leading to greater understanding and building stronger connections. 2. Recognize the "Four Stages of Newcomership": Rollag outlines four distinct stages that individuals typically go through when they join a new group: the honeymoon, the frustration, the adjustment, and the acceptance stage. By recognizing and understanding these stages, newcomers can better navigate the range of emotions and challenges that arise, eventually reaching a stage of acceptance and integration. 3. Develop a Newcomer's Strategy: Rollag emphasizes the importance of developing a personalized newcomer's strategy to ease the transition into a new group. He offers practical advice such as identifying key influencers and connectors within the organization, seeking out mentors or sponsors, and actively participating in social activities to build relationships. 4. Manage First Impressions: The author highlights the significance of managing first impressions, as they often shape how others perceive and interact with newcomers. Rollag suggests being mindful of appearance, body language, and communication styles to create a positive and lasting impression. 5. Embrace Discomfort and Take Initiative: Rollag urges newcomers to embrace discomfort and actively seek out opportunities to take initiative. By pushing beyond their comfort zones and volunteering for challenging projects, newcomers can demonstrate their value, gain visibility, and accelerate their integration into the group.

Conclusion

What to Do When You're New offers practical strategies and insights for navigating the challenges of being new. By encouraging individuals to approach new experiences with curiosity and a learning mindset, the author provides a blueprint for success in unfamiliar situations. Rollag supports his arguments with numerous real-life examples and anecdotes, making the book relatable and engaging for readers.

This book is a must-read for anyone facing the daunting task of starting anew in any context. It provides valuable guidance for professionals, students, or anyone entering a new community or social setting. For further exploration of the topic, readers may also find books like The First 90 Days by Michael D. Watkins and The Power of Moments by Chip Heath and Dan Heath insightful and complementary to Rollag's work.