Ask HN: Any advice for someone starting a job at a new company?

[usehackernews]

I’m a lead product manager, but this is my first time moving to a new company. I have no prior history working with anyone at the company.

Company is mid-size. Not a startup. Decently established.

Whether it’s socially, politically, or from a business knowledge standpoint - Any advice on things to do or things to avoid?

Thanks

[lakotasapa]

Do:

1.take notes. Personal CRM of contact, specifics like kids, key dates and topic

2.say minimum but say something interesting about yourself.

3. Make mtg w C level to get a feel of where they want to go. Then make mtgs w bottom level to hear where they think they are going without disclosuring your findings.

4. Track personality types.

5. Listen mostly talk minimally.

Gosh, so many things I could dump on this topic as I've burned more bridges then created bc I lacked to do the above.

Ultimately, it's the old adage of it's who you know and not what or how much you know.

Oh one last thing: practice alot of humility.

[netman21]

Get to know everyone in accounting. Both payroll and purchasing.

[scombridae]

Do: date your superior.

Don't: date your subordinate.

[leethaxor]

Would you really date someone who dates their subordinates?