Orientation

I got into work this morning at 7:18am.
Yes, gentle readers, that's 7:18AM. Can you believe it? ME...into work on a Monday at the crack of dawn.

We had our monthly bank-wide, new hire orientation from 8:30am-12pm. It ran without a hitch. The presentation, across business areas with different speakers, was seamless. An ice-breaker, networking game I had built with two colleagues was the hit of the show. It's nice to SEE the fruits of your labor.

Corporate Orientation is a stepped up, PC version of college orientation. There are the exuberant few who ask questions and sit in the front row, there are the apathetic bunch in the back row who don't make eye contact and look as bored as possible, and there are the cliques that seem to have already formed--how can that be, it's mostly DAY 1? Of course, there are also the arty, schleppy lookin' crew; the spruced, pinstriped set; the outdoorsy, fleece vest over polo bunch, and even a fashionista or two in sleek, pink/grey plaid gear.

Some frequently used phrases at major financial firms defined:
Circle Back : Don't have a clue, will get back to you.
Take it offline : These folks don't need to hear our problems, we'll TALK later.
Leverage relationships: They know you, use that power to get them to help us
I'll reach out: Don't call me, I'll call you.
Let's touchbase..: There will be much following up!
Going forward: We should have done it this way, oh well...next time we will
Best practice: Show off what's worked for us. It can work for you!
Let's do lunch.: Let's eat and do work, but not at our desks.
Can I get you anything?: I'm leaving my desk, but I will be back.