The octopus orientation theory

Starting a new position is an exciting opportunity that can and should be a positive experience. Listed below are some general concepts that may be applied to help the transition. 1. Volunteer to serve on committees. Don't isolate yourself. Consider being cochair of the United Way or of a fund drive. 2. Keep promises. If you commit to something, do it! No matter how trivial or minor the request, it is important to your credibility that you follow through. If asked when you can accomplish a certain task, evaluate the request and add in a safety margin. Report back to the employee and tell them of your timetable, then deliver it earlier than you promised. Exceed their expectations. 3. Set goals and share them with your staff. Stay focused on these goals, keeping the employees' concentration on the objectives. Peter Druker was on target when he wrote: "Concentration is the key to results, no other principle of effectiveness is violated as constantly today as the basic principle of concentration." 4. Distribute "justice to all." It is critical to your success that you always apply fairness, consistency, or whatever term you associate with equality. Don't establish double standards; making exceptions only leads you down a dark path with no end in sight. 5. "Don't fix it unless it's broken." It is like pulling that tiny thread on your new sweater: once pulled, you immediately realize that you have caused an even bigger problem--one that you can't repair.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)