Stage 1 — Contributing Dependently

 

Characteristics
•	The work is never entirely your own.
•	Your assignment is part of a larger effort or activity.
•	You are expected to do much of the detailed and routine work on your part of the combined effort.
•	You focus on skill development, absorbing the organizational culture, and building a foundation.
In Stage 1, you are expected to:
•	Accept supervision and direction willingly.
•	Exercise initiative and creativity within a well-defined area.
•	Work with a mentor to learn the approaches, the organizational savvy, and the judgment not found in textbooks.
If you learn quickly and well, you will be given increasing responsibility.

In Stage 1, your challenge is adjusting to the idea of “taking orders.” Like it or not‚ you’re the new kid on the block. You don’t know the ins and outs of the job yet. You need to earn the trust of others.

Staying in Stage 1
While it is important to stay in Stage 1 long enough to build a solid foundation and earn trust‚ people who stay in Stage 1 indefinitely will become decreasingly valued in the organization. You can’t spend an entire career in Stage 1. You’d go crazy—if you weren’t fired first.

Most individuals look forward to having their own projects or areas of responsibility.
Earning this opportunity and taking advantage of it moves a person into Stage 2.