Prior to starting The Relationship Difference I worked in the multifamily housing industry for many years and as a community manager I utilized the services of temporary employees quite frequently. When things went well, the employees that came in to help were a lifesaver for me! When things went poorly, I was on the phone with the company saying “You are NEVER sending this person to me again!!”
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So, I’d like to help you with some ways you can make your temporary assignment successful, for everyone involved, and who knows, these tips may help you land a permanent position!
One: Embrace (and Accept) Your Role
I once had a temporary employee who kept reminding me that she was a manager in her previous company and seemed more interested in the management things I didn’t need her to do, as opposed to the things I needed her to do, which I am sure she felt was beneath her.
I know it’s not fun to go into the office and feel like the lowest person on the totem pole. But if you can handle that situation with maturity and class, you’ll make the day easier for everyone!
Two: Follow the Cues
I have worked with a few temporary employees who really wanted to have conversations with me throughout the day-yet the reason I may have brought in a temporary employee is because I needed additional help, or was running short-handed, which often meant I and the other people on the team were too busy to have anything more than small talk.
My advice is to follow the cues of the people around you. If they look busy, that may not be the time to ask about their weekend, or tell them about your weekend! If they seem to be short and curt with you, those are definitely signs that it would be wise to keep the chit-chat to a minimum.
Three: Initiate Don’t Wait
When you report for work ask, “Besides helping the people who walk-in or call, what are the top things that I can help you with today?” Then make a list and work from list throughout the day.
When you’re done, ask for more…and don’t wait to be told that you should do something. That’s why I love asking at the beginning of the day, so that you’re not approaching a team member every ten minutes with, “What’s next??”
Four: Don’t be “That Guy (or Gal)!”
I still remember “John” well. He looked sharp coming into the office and I thought he had a winner. After some small talk I was impressed and thought this would be a good day! After a couple of hours in, I was on the phone with the agency to say, “Please don’t send him again!”
He wanted to do things his way, and his way only. It was infuriating!!
I finally had to say, “John, I am the manager and I am telling you to do it like this…” And he actually refused to do something because he didn’t agree with the procedure. (Not rocket science, believe me!) I never asked for him again or accepted him for an assignment, even if he was the only option available.
Temporary assignments can lead to some amazing opportunities-but only if the company wants you to come back! Keep that in mind before you walk into the door and you’ll do great!
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Rommel Anacan is the president of The Relationship Difference-a professional and personal development firm in Orange County, California. He is a sought-after motivational speaker, corporate trainer and strategist and has spoken for leading companies, organizations and to thousands of people nationwide. For more information about Rommel, visit www.RelationshipDifference.com.
