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Diane chuckles. “Oh, it’s a pleasure. I’ve been Mr. Whitmore’s assistant since he started this place, so almost ten years now. This is a great company and he’s a great man.”
I smile noticing Diane wink. Did she just wink at me? Maybe she has something in her eye. My brain is overloaded. I’m sure I’m imagining things. Amanda appears in the doorway with my copies and holds out her hand to me.
“Here you go Lacey. I see you met Diane? Diane is the best executive assistant on the planet, and possibly one of the best humans you’ll ever meet.”
I look over at Diane who is blushing. “Oh, stop it now. You are just as wonderful Miss Amanda. And you Miss Lacey. I have a good feeling about you.”
I smile and chuckle. “Thank you. That’s very nice of you to say.” I forgot what office culture is like. As much as there were always coworkers that could drive me crazy in my past jobs, there were always a few that became friends. Amanda and Diane remind of the latter. I begin to relax a little knowing that I potentially just made two new work friends and I haven’t even finished day one.
“Well I guess I should head back to my office. I think David has an agenda for me today and I have a lot to get started on.” I make my way to the entrance as the two women follow behind. As I approach the main office door, they both stop as I reach to open it.
“Lacey, feel free to stop by anytime. I am right inside the door of the CEO suite. It’s just down the hall to the left. You can’t miss it.”
“Thanks Diane. And thanks Amanda. I’m sure I’ll be seeing you around.”
I leave the HR suite and head back to my office walking by the kitchen area once again. This time I see a few people pouring cups of coffee and eating what looks like donuts. The smell of the coffee fills my nostrils and I decide to make my way over to the coffee bar. The coffee and tea selection are impressive. I stare contemplating what I am in the mood for.
“Caffeine is key here.” A voice comes from behind me. I turn to see David grabbing something from the fridge.
“I’ll never say no to coffee or tea.” I grab a mug from the dish rack labeled ‘clean mugs’. I look over to see a sign on the wall.Place dirty mugs in the dishwasher. They will be run each night by the cleaning crew. Please don’t leave dishes in the sink!I nod to myself. I like this place’s style.
David smiles. “Well, we tend to be fast-paced here and caffeine will be your best friend. Let’s head back to your office and we can go over the rest of the week’s orientation and make sure your laptop is all set.”
“Sounds good,” I say as I reach over and grab a packet of honey to add to my fresh cup of Earl Grey.
I enter my office and see IT has already placed a laptop on my desk. It’s open and looks connected to the monitors displaying a Whitmore Tech screensaver. I notice a sticky note on the monitor.‘Welcome! Josh from IT will be by at 10:00am to give you an overview and get your security set up.’This might be the most organized place I’ve ever worked for. I like attention to details.
I turn to David. “Well looks like IT is coming by at ten. I appreciate everyone’s thoroughness.”
“Yeah, that we are. Why don’t we review our team’s meeting schedule and some policies for now. Then IT can do their thing and by the time they’re done it will be time for lunch. I’d offer to have lunch with you, but I have to be in a meeting.”
“Oh, that’s nice of you, but I’m sure I’ll be going over some things at lunch anyway.” That is my plan. I have so much information to digest that I am going to grab the protein bar in my purse, some water and read. I need to make sure I understand everything about this place and my role. Then when I’m done with that I plan to go throw some cold water on my face in the bathroom because I’m sure my nerves are going to be flying high.I can do this.
David and I spend the next hour reviewing the team’s initiatives, schedules, standing meetings and projects. There is a lot going on but surprisingly I don’t feel overwhelmed. There is even some excitement in my blood. It’s been a while since I worked with a team and had the feeling of contributing something positive, but with David’s support and the warm welcome I already received I am feeling optimistic.
Before I know it, it is time for lunch. I have exactly one hour before I need to be in the big meeting with our team and the CEO. I pull out my phone to check in with Beth at the bakery.
Me: Hey! How are things going today?
Beth: Hi! Good. It’s been a very busy morning. I’m making more cookies and muffins now. They are loving that new pistachio muffin you created. Don’t change it. They all sold!
Me:That’s great!
Beth: How’s your first day going?
Me: Good actually. I’m feeling a little better. Less nervous. Though I am joining my team in a big meeting with the CEO in an hour.
Beth: Look at you getting all fancy on day one meeting the CEO!
Me: I don’t think I’m actually meeting him. I think he’s just in the meeting. Should I introduce myself if no one introduces me?
Beth: Um, yes! Duh. You want to be on his good side! Make friends. lol
Me: You’re probably right. I’ll make sure I introduce myself. Thanks for taking care of the bakery! I’ll see you later!
Beth: Sounds good! Don’t thank me. This is what I love to do. Talk later!
I put my phone on my desk and start reading all the information Amanda gave me earlier. Then I turn my attention to the binder that David left me. I’m about halfway through scanning the information when I hear a gentle knock on my office door. I look up to see Diane smiling. “Hi there! I thought I’d swing by and show you where the meeting is.”
