Can you survive a bad first impression in the workplace

[lilly123]

I made a combination of what I consider good, and what my new acting manager considers bad first impressions. And naturally I am panicking that I'm a complete failure and will never be seen as a valuable employee again.

So just I just want to know, is it possible to be seen as a non valuable employee to then a great employee through hard work? Or is thisit, I'm screwed, I should just give up now?

 

[Maggoo]

I think first impressions in the work place are exactly that, first impressions. If you're a hard worker and are doing a good job, this is what you will then be remembered for. Just push forward and whatever happened on the first day will be a distant memory. You'll be fine

 

[Walker]

nah, you have a chance. you may have obstacles to overcome but it'll most certainly be ok.

 

[Kiwi2016]

Yes agree with others here...you clearly are a conscious person so try to put the 1st impression behind you and let your work/dedication speak for itself...

 

[HumanExMachina]

So just I just want to know, is it possible to be seen as a non valuable employee to then a great employee through hard work?

Yes, absolutely. In the workplace what ultimately counts are results. If an employee consistently delivers good work in a timely and efficient manner, management quickly begins thinking of them as essential, because they make management's life easier. Every day, work as hard as you can, as quickly, efficiently and intelligently as you can, and nobody will be happier to see you every morning than your manager.

 

[DrownedFishOnFire]

The first impressions is more likely no fault of your own as the manager might have had his/her own quirks on what to expect from new employees.

My workplace entry level expectations: show up on time, be respectful, shower-wear clean clothes, the willingness to learn sign language if not know it and not to be on the phone 24/7 but focus on our clients.

Our team has our own quirks. We have high turnover rate for new hires. It takes me time to warm up to people who just dont jive well with me and one of the "new employees" years ago ended up being a good friend of mine. As not want to waste my time training with new hires that will not stick around long enough as we already are under staffed and not need waste our time with extra responsiblities. My job is one of the hardest job and not many people can do it after seeing my type of clients on their bad days.

Show your willingness to learn, work on your assigned tasks probably within a week or two they would likely trust you more to open up a bit.

Cheers

 

[Innocent Forever]

First impressions are just that - first impressions. They're not especially the easiest to get past, but they can change.

 

[may71]

what my new acting manager considers bad first impressions

Do you want to give some more details about why the manager thinks this?

 

[lilly123]

Thank you all for answering. I greatly appreciate it! And your advice helped a lot.

 

[AliceinWonderlannd]

I made a combination of what I consider good, and what my new acting manager considers bad first impressions. And naturally I am panicking that I'm a complete failure and will never be seen as a valuable employee again.

So just I just want to know, is it possible to be seen as a non valuable employee to then a great employee through hard work? Or is thisit, I'm screwed, I should just give up now?

First impression on the workplace i think doesnt matter that much. It s the begining ..too many factors that influence..so you have time to make people change mind..
Hardworker person are always seen good on workplace environment..so just keep going. As long as you dont give up therenis always a way.

 

[Acy]

You think you made a good first impression and the acting manager thinks not so good? Do you agree on any "good" parts? Those would be things to continue for sure. A good manager will gently advise an employee of things they need to do so they perform well and do the best work they can. A good manager will help the employee do those things.

I'm curious about the term "acting manager" - is this person there only temporarily until a full term manager is hired or comes back? An "acting manager" might not have all the expertise a long term manager with experience has. Or if they wanted to be made full time manager, they could be "acting tough", or maybe they think that's what they're supposed to be like, or maybe you're a star and it made them nervous that you could outdo them in the long run. Anyhow, my point is that when someone is an "acting" anything and is spewing criticism, I wonder about them and their motivations. It's quite possibly not about you at all.

The very fact that you're concerned about this suggests to me that you are a willing worker who wants to do your best. I'd think that's a good first impression. I'd want you on my team! Just my take on things.

 

[Acy]

Hi, @lilly123 - how are you today? Just thinking of you.

 

[ForgottenFarewell]

I made a combination of what I consider good, and what my new acting manager considers bad first impressions. And naturally I am panicking that I'm a complete failure and will never be seen as a valuable employee again.

So just I just want to know, is it possible to be seen as a non valuable employee to then a great employee through hard work? Or is thisit, I'm screwed, I should just give up now?

First Impressions can change. I have several good friends at work that I really didn't care for when I first met them. You work hard and you build your reputation.

 

[Winter Blues]

Hi Lilly just seen this post ... how have things been going ?. Xx