Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash
I have a new colleague who is getting on everyone's nerves. This new hire, barely a month into this job, spoke up during a recent meeting that the team needs to review its business & management practices. He explained that current policies are not aligned to best practices that he knows of/experienced.
Members of the meeting apparently squirmed uncomfortably in their chairs. One member asked this new hire which industry did he based his comments on. Another went on to suggest, albeit curtly, for this new hire to speak with the Biz Unit heads to understand the business better before airing his views in such forums.
I managed to find out that this new hire had a MBA and also held relevant appointments in his previous jobs. So certainly, new in the company but definitely an experienced hire.
Personally, I find that this person was trying a bit too hard to showcase his knowledge & value. And it back-fired catastrophically. While fresh perspective is useful, this new colleague can really work more on his EQ to contribute as a team.
It does give me a good takeaway: there is always a right place and right time to express views.