The New Guy

In the Military, everything is cyclical and change is normal.  When a new leader comes into an organization, everyone tries to scope him out and learn everything they can about him ASAP.  They call old friends and anyone they know who has served with the new guy to get any intel they can. 

I'm the new guy and I've been paying curious attention to this phenomenon.  Before I even took the helm, I went to a "Senior Leader's Offsite" at Ft. Custer.  I rode out there with my (now) deputy, Tom.  We talked about a lot of things other than business.  We talked about NASCAR, hunting, guns... a lot of things.

When I got back and was coming around the office prior to taking over, just walking the floor, and meeting with the outgoing guy, one of my mid-level folks told me, "sir, I hear you like NASCAR"... and we went on to have a conversation about racing and what kind of racing one can see in the Detroit area.  hmmmm.....

At our first staff meeting, I held all the SKOT folks and told them that I just wanted to let them know who I am and what I'm all about, because I know there are all kind of rumors and gossip out there, "like how Dave knew I like NASCAR".  There were some red faces and guilty grins, but it was all in good fun and I let them know that I'm laid back and approachable and we can talk NASCAR, guns, whatever, without formality or pretense.

I didn't know how deep it had gone, but there is a young man named Matt that sits at a desk down by the door.  He is employed by another PM shop, but he's like the greeter for our building.  Tom told me is is quite the hunter.  He looks very preppy and professional, but Tom said he's in the woods every chance he gets.  One morning, a few days ago, I came in and said hi to Matt.  I also said, "I hear you're the great white hunter."  Matt:  "I hear you're not so bad yourself."  So, its not even isolated to my own organization.

And it's not just the Military organization.  I mentioned Mike, my neighbor who helped us get our trampoline back across the street after the big wind, on Facebook the other day.  He is a solid, blue collar, 100% American kind of guy.  Today, I met my other neighbor, Kip.  We were both mowing and met at the fence.  He said, "My name's Kip.  Glad to finally meet you."  I said, "I'm Chris".  He said, "Yeah, I talked to Mike.  I knew your name".  He went on to mention or ask questions that made it obvious that he already knew that I am here for three years, I'm in the Army and I work at Selfridge.  He's  good guy, and I don't mean to sound like he was accusatory or anything.  I just think its interesting that he knows as much as Mike knows after spending about an hour with me.  Kip and Mike are both good guys and I'm glad to have them as neighbors.

This isn't meant to be a negative post, just a study in human nature.  We all have a desire to know the people around us.  I've just reached a point in my career where I'm the guy people want to know about and I guess your neighbors always want to know who's the new guy next door.  I just find it very interesting.