In the military, a Soldier knows how important it is to get along with other team members. In combat situations, there is no place for petty bickering or personal friction — that's just one reason why the military tries to instill a sense of camaraderie within the troops.
 
In the business world, managers and supervisors are also tasked with the job of creating an environment of inter-office harmony as a means to maximize employee productivity.
 
In the civilian workforce, it’s commonplace for individuals to operate with personal agendas. While competition in the military is often about being the best that you can be, in some companies co-workers are often pitted against each other. Personal advancement can often occur at the expense of other co-workers. That's just the way it is.
 
As an executive recruiter for Wall Street and Fortune 500 companies, I've worked with hiring managers for more than 40 years. In this time, I've discovered that companies look to hire employees who can do the job and fit within the company's corporate culture.
 
In other words, while competency is a huge factor, so is chemistry.
 
Will this new hire be able to get along with his and her co-workers?
 
Will this new employee's personality enable him or her to mesh seamlessly with pre-existing team members? Managers don’t want to spend time working on personality clashes in the workplace. They want to focus their time on fixing processes and improving efficiencies.
 
However, most corporate workplaces experience occasional personality clashes. It's an inevitable by-product of competition in the workplace and human nature.
 
Most new hires are afforded a grace period to assimilate within the corporate culture and master responsibilities or carve out a particular niche. While impressing your new co-workers with your work ethic, professionalism and various capabilities, it’s equally important to understand inter-office dynamics and find ways to fit in as a trusted and well-liked new addition. 
 
Trust and respect are earned the old fashioned way through your actions. And, there are certain protocols that you must be aware of and follow in order to avoid creating unnecessary conflict with co-workers or supervisors.
 
My daughter Carly, managing director of Drum Associates, oversees a staff of 40 employees — she has some tips on how new employees can make a positive impression.
 
Brian: Carly, why isn't it enough to just be great at what you do in the workplace?
Carly: As we've discussed many times over the years, an employee with a high EQ (Emotional Intelligence) is just as important as a worker with high IQ.  A person with high EQ has a high capacity to perceive, assess and manage one's own emotions and the feelings of others. Social intelligence means being able to understand and manage others expectations. It means knowing yourself, what you're all about and being socially aware enough to pick-up up cues about how others react to you. Being socially aware is an essential skill for any employee looking to climb the corporate ladder.
 
Brian: How important is it for a new hire to get along with pre-existing employees?
 
Carly: If career advancement is important to that new hire, getting along with established co-workers can be crucial. It's important for new hires to act professionally, dress for the job they want — not for the job they currently have and to try and develop mentors.
 
Brian: What type of mind-set should a new hire possess?
 
Carly: I often tell our new employees to think like they’re bosses in their own right. I never look to hire anyone who wants to be told what to do all the time. I want to hire employees who can seize the initiative and know intuitively how they can best help the company's bottom line. I like self starters and quick learners who aren't afraid to say they don't know how to do something —but are eager to develop and master essential new skills. I look for employees who are confident and intelligent but never arrogant.
 
Brian: what are some other tips?
 
Carly: If you want to fit in, a winning attitude is very important. Participate in all company events: meetings, breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and gatherings. Have a positive outlook and demeanor. Don’t complain. Be a good listener. Treat everyone equally and with respect. Make an effort to get along with all your new co-workers and work cooperatively. Don’t impose your views on others and don’t get into political or religious debates.  Be yourself you will be more comfortable. 
 
Brian: Thanks, Carly
 
Carly: My pleasure, Brian.