a bunch of people gathered around

Learning the Ropes

Marta’s first day on the job was a busy one! She spent the entire day in an orientation session. Jonas, her orientation leader, started at the front entrance. He pointed out a large banner that read, “Customers and Quality Come First!”

Then, he saw Mrs. Van Pelt, the company’s C.E.O. Jonas took Marta to introduce her and said, “Chris, I’d like you to meet Marta. She just joined our team!” Chris smiled broadly, shook her hand, and said, “Marta, we’re so glad to have you with us. I’ve heard lots of good things about you. I’m looking forward to hearing your ideas about how to improve our processes. Please stop by my work space anytime this week.” Then, Jonas added, “This is a great day for Marta to begin working with us. I read on the bulletin board last week that our newes customer is visiting today.” Chris replied, “You’re right! Glad to see you’re on top of things Jonas.”

Marta and Jonas continued to tour the facility. He stopped at each work area to introduce Marta, explain the work processes, and answer any questions. Jonas took her to her new workspace and introduced her to their fellow team members. They all went to the Break Room to have a coffee and a bite to eat. One of the team members explained that once a month, one team member brings in a nutritious snack for the group. Another team member invited Marta to try out the Lunch Time Walk Fit Program. She laughed, “It’s a great way to get exercise and socialize. We even do a lot of great brainstorming!” Jonas reminded the group that their Customer Appreciation Day was next Friday. Everyone on the team said that they had some creative ideas to make the day interesting and memorable for the customers.

When Marta got home after her first day on the job, she thought about everything she had seen and all that she had heard. This was a very different place to work than where she had been before.

Instructor Guide: Learning the Ropes...Possible Answers

The story, Learning the Ropes, shows us one organization’s culture. As you work with your learners, try to alert them to the following:

Workplace Culture Example from “Learning the Ropes”
Communication
  • an orientation session is provided for new employees
Company Values
  • the banner reads, “Customers and Quality Come First!"
Relationships
  • Jonas addresses the C.E.O. by her first name
  • employees are grouped into teams
Work Style
  • C.E.O. refers to her work space rather than private office
Expectations
  • Chris values the fact that Jonas keeps himself informed by reading the company bulletin board
Eating Habits & Relationships
  • monthly, one member brings in a nutritious snack for the group
Health
  • the snack is a nutritious one
Customs & Health
  • employees participate in a Lunch Time Walk Fit Program
Communication
  • Jonas informally reminds them about the Customer Appreciation Day
Expectations
  • team members have worked on creative ideas to make the Customer Appreciation Day successful