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Learning to Speak ‘Incite’

Angelique RodriguesSeptember 29, 20242 min read

Starting a new role can be both challenging and exhilarating, especially when you’re joining a team of seasoned professionals. As a Principal strategist stepping into a new firm, one of the most intriguing aspects of the transition has been learning to navigate the unique nuances of industry practices and shared knowledge among my new colleagues.

When joining any new team, aligning with their internal “language” can initially feel like deciphering a complex code. It’s certainly a common phenomenon in marketing and communications. In a field this dynamic, terminologies and methodologies can vary widely.

Each firm has its own set of practices and preferred tools, shaped by past experiences and the ever-changing demands of the industry. And, like any organization, my new team members at Incite have taken different paths in their careers, worked in different environments, and have personal preferences when it comes to tackling strategic solutions.

Acclimating to, and understanding, these differences is crucial, as it can help you to integrate seamlessly into the team and contribute effectively.

So, what’s the key to overcoming this challenge? It’s the same answer we give many of our client’s looking for internal engagement advice. It comes down to open communication and a willingness to learn.

I’ve spent the last six months asking questions. Big questions and little questions and questions I worry sound stupid, but I ask them anyway. I’ve asked about their preferred practices and terminologies and approaches and methodologies (even the one’s they tried and threw on the cutting room floor). I’ve exhausted the five W’s and it’s helped me to bridge the divide. (I also like to think it’s demonstrated my commitment to understanding and integrating into the culture here at Incite.)

On their end, my team members have embraced my questions with patience and enthusiasm. Moreover, they’ve made it clear they’re open to the continuous evolution of Incite’s methods, documentation and facilitation approaches. They value the perspective, insights and innovations I bring to the table; the ‘languages’ I’m fluent in myself.

Ultimately, navigating these growing pains requires patience and adaptability. If you’re joining a new team, or welcoming a new hire, it’s important to create a collaborative environment where team members can share their expertise and insights. Embrace the challenge with curiosity and openness, and what initially seems like a barrier can become an opportunity for growth and innovation.

And, as I’ve discovered over the last six months, the ever-changing world of strategy is less about using the exact same terminology and more about a shared commitment to learning and growing together.

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