Rule #1: Listen and Observe
The best career-related advice I ever received came from my former boss on my first day of work. She told me to listen and observe before suggesting any changes. I took that advice and have used it in other situations, both in and out of the workplace. While innovation is a good thing, it is important to be mindful of dynamics of the workplace. If you are entering an environment where routines are already in place, a newcomer walking in and talking about “better ways” to do things, will often be met with negative reactions. Why? First, you know nothing about why they do things the way they do. Second, you haven’t gained the trust of your co-workers. Finally, people, by nature, are threatened by change.

By listening and observing, you will gain a lot. You will learn about the environment of which you are now a part. You will find out about the people you are working with. You may save yourself from making a major, public mistake — you are the new kid on the block while your co-workers have been around longer. Learn from their collective experience.
Rule #2: Beware of the Office Troublemaker
Every office has one. Once I describe him or her you will know just who I mean. The office troublemaker is the one who comes up to you on your first day and says something like this: “The boss is always nice to new employees. Wait til you’ve been here awhile.” The office troublemaker is the one who tends to stir up trouble and then pretend to have nothing to do with it. Listen to what this person tells you, but do not comment. There may be truth to what he or she says, but it may be greatly exaggerated. Keep in mind, the person who talks about others will soon get around to talking about you.

Rule #3: Mind Your Manners
This one reminds me of the potential employee my friend once interviewed. In the middle of the interview, this woman reached into her bag and pulled out a water bottle. She took a big gulp of water right in the middle of the interview. On an interview and in the workplace, it is important to remember proper etiquette. People may not remember your politeness, but they certainly will remember rude behavior.
Somewhat related to this is another rule — save off color jokes and stories for your friends. They have no place in the workplace, especially one with which you are unfamiliar. You don’t know your co-workers’ personalities well enough to know what reactions these jokes and stories will engender. Do not use company email to forward jokes to your friends — they can easily wind up in the wrong hands. Another friend accidently accessed the wrong list in her address book when trying to forward a joke to her friends. She ended up sending the joke to her company’s directors. Ooops.

Rule #4: Keep Your Ear to the Grapevine But Don’t Contribute to It
The grapevine should be considered the unofficial office newsletter. It is important to pay attention to what is being said. You can gain valuable insight into office dynamics, co-worker’s personalities, and who to stay away from on a