What things can I do to be successful in a job training program?

Question

I have recently been confirmed a position of a Management Trainee Officer in a banking corporation. I will be attending in the training program for 2 years. Based on the performance of the program, my job will be permanent and I will be given the position of a Senior Officer.

I have problems with (1) communicating with people, (2) do the works neatly that may be generally easy but have diverse components, (3) I have problems with remembering directions. That is, I am a poor listener, (4) I am a slow learner and slow starter, and, (5) I have a tendency to give up anything that becomes hard for me to achieve (I generally try hard and burn out quickly).

These problems are all the results of my traumatic past.

Now, my question is, how can I do the best in my training program?

Answer 1

My advice is:

(1) communicating with people...
Advice: Use humor, be humble, admit your ignorance, try to spend most time listening, take an interest in others, do things for others, e.g. offer a ride home, to get coffee while you're getting some, etc, etc.

(2) Do the works neatly...
Advice: Do a draft, then re-write it afterwards.

(3) I have problems with remembering directions. That is, I am a poor listener...
Advice: Make notes and go through them, verifying that they make sense.

(4) I am a slow learner and slow starter...
Advice: Repetition is your friend here. Many folks don't get 'it' the first time but the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th time the repetition and pattern can help a lot.

(5) I have a tendency to give up anything that becomes hard for me to achieve (I generally try hard and burn out quickly)...
Advice: Find other things in life to 'soak up' those needs so that for your work you be more able to really focus hard and keep on topic. Separate work and pleasure and do them in 'different modes'.

Answer 2

It's good to know your weakness, but it's bad to focus on them. By identifying where you may struggle, you can grow your strengths in the same areas.

If you have a problem focusing or listening, you try to overcome that by listening better, taking notes, repeating important things back and asking questions.

If you work slowly, you work on improving your skills and you put in those extra hours so you don't fall behind.

If you have a problem communicating with people, go out and put yourself into those situations that you most fear. Jump in and you will adapt.

Most importantly, discuss these problems with your therapist (traumatic past? I assume you have one, or go get one - it's nothing to be ashamed of). Work on improving them in your entire life, rather than only your work-life.

Additionally, don't let others intimidate you. Usually in training programs like that there are going to be sharks, don't let them get to you and don't think they're out-doing you. Do what you do best - you.

Answer 3

Get your homework done first so that you can hit the ground running. This includes everything from making sure that you know your route into the office in the morning so you don't have to worry about being late, to the knowledge for the four big programs you'll be working on when you get there.

Do you have the ability to contact anybody who will be starting at the same time as you? You might be able to support each other a little...