Building success through patience and connection at new workplace

Starting a new job can feel overwhelming. You're excited to prove yourself, but figuring out how everything works can be tricky in Bangladesh, where relationships and respect for seniority matter, understanding the workplace culture is critical to doing well. If you take the time to adapt and connect with people, you'll find your place much faster. Let's talk about Rahim, who works for a renowned multinational company's head office based in Dhaka. After starting his new job, Rahim thought that moving quickly and making fast decisions would help him succeed. But he soon found out things worked differently here. Decisions were slow to make. Important and impactful conversations didn't happen during formal meetings. It was a big change for Rahim, but he realised he needed to slow down and watch how things worked before jumping in to propose things.

A smart thing Rahim did was take time to silently observe and learn. He noticed that people shared ideas and built trust during these informal tea breaks. Surprisingly, these moments were when many decisions were made. Research shows that in Bangladesh, most professionals feel that informal chats like these are important in building relationships and rapport. This ultimately leads to better outcomes in generating support and trust among teammates. This is the culture here, and while it may not be ideal, it's something we need to adapt to for now.

Many young professionals often raise their voices too quickly and with too much energy without understanding the pulse of the team or the organisation. They think only being outspoken will bring results whereas in an organisation, one needs to understand that moving forward with a team means everything. Rahim, on the other hand, chose a different path. Instead of rushing and going alone on his ideas, he started joining his colleagues for tea and listening to them to build rapport. Over time, he began to understand how things worked in the office.

Instead of trying to make big changes early on in his career, Rahim focused on small and marginal improvements. For example, he noticed that his team's reporting process through Excel was clunky. It wasn't a huge problem, but he took the initiative to streamline it and make minor changes to make it look and read better. His team appreciated the effort, showing them that Rahim was there to help but not to disrupt. These little wins helped him build trust with his team early on.

Rahim also understood how things got done was as important as what got done. In Bangladesh, decisions are often made by discussing ideas with senior team members and getting their input. Instead of pushing for his way, Rahim began asking for advice from his colleagues. This showed respect and made people more open to his ideas. A study found that most workplaces in Bangladesh involve at least three or four people when making big decisions, which reflects the importance of teamwork and collaboration.

Adjusting how he talked to people was another vital lesson for Rahim. In his old job, feedback was direct and to the point. But here, being too blunt could come across as harsh. After one awkward moment, he started softening his approach. Instead of just pointing out problems, he began first recognising his colleagues' efforts and then offering suggestions. This simple change made a massive difference in how his ideas were received. Research shows that in Bangladesh, people prefer indirect communication, and this style helped Rahim build stronger relationships.

One of the most essential things Rahim did was focus on building connections. In Bangladesh, socialising with colleagues--like joining them for lunch or casual tea breaks--is a big part of fitting in. A recent survey found that 85 per cent of workers here think personal relationships are crucial for career growth. By joining these gatherings, Rahim moved from being the "new guy" to a trusted teammate. These connections made him feel more comfortable and helped him understand his coworkers better.

Rahim found his rhythm over time. He wasn't trying to change things overnight. Rather he focused on building trust, learning the culture, and making small, meaningful contributions and then proposing big ideas. Studies show that people who invest in relationships and cultural adaptation in their first few months are 2.5 times more likely to get promoted within two years. Rahim's journey proves this is true.

Starting a new job can be challenging, but also a chance to grow and learn. If you take the time to understand how things work, listen to the people around you, and focus on small wins, you'll build a strong foundation for success. Like Rahim, you can turn those first few months into the start of a thriving career. It's not about rushing to prove yourself--it's about taking it one step at a time and connecting with the people you work with.

The writer is chief of Staff, ShopUp.

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