New Trainer Replacing Old Trainer in Small Company

April 2, 2007 10:57 AM

Beginning new teaching / training job in small-ish company. Previous trainer was there for many years and was much loved. Any suggestions / creative ideas for introducing myself to the staff / establishing good relationships in the first few weeks?
posted by iam2bz2p to Education (3 answers total)

I'd go in very low key. Listen a lot. Go to your co-workers and ask them to tell you about their jobs. Talk one on one with as many people as you can. That will help establish rapport with your co workers.
posted by Jandasmo at 11:06 AM on April 2, 2007

Be sensitive to the fact that they loved the previous trainer, and don't expect to be best friends with everyone at first. If they don't feel like you're trying to buddy up to everyone immediately, they'll warm to you (as I'm sure you're a lovable trainer too).

Best of luck!
posted by gursky at 1:59 PM on April 2, 2007

Then, after two or three weeks, some Friday bring in a sweet treat and put it in the kitchen marked "to share" but without your name on it. ("Leftover" cookies and you didn't want to eat them all yourself?) I know this is generic, obvious manipulation, but it can't hurt, right?
posted by salvia at 2:41 PM on April 2, 2007