How am I doing - a new starters question

Fethiyefan · Post by **Fethiyefan** » 27 Oct 2016, 19:05

Hello folks

I have about 40-50 hours max on the job experience which amounts to some training, a driving assessment and some solo work. I have been solo on my temporary walk for 7 deliveries which is booked as 21 hours (3 hours each) although it took me longer as a new start. Next week I am going to the DO that I applied for and will be based at - basically my first weeks have been at a different DO to cover annual leave so next week will be a bit like starting again i.e. I'll be completely unused to the DO and the walks.

I've been waffling on a bit I know but my main question is; can I expect some feedback about how I'm doing. I think I've felt the same as many "Newbies" that it sometimes seems to be 2 paces forward and 1 back (sometimes better sometimes worse). I am enjoying the job even though I am always slower than all the experienced hands but many have talked about hitting the "wall" when folks feel like jacking it in as they seem to be getting nowhere. I have had a couple of moments like forgetting 739's etc but am generally quite happy

Anyway my question is really - should I expect any meaningful feedback soon or do I just "hope" I'm doing OK. I'm a tough old boot and can take criticism (as long as constructive) and would rather hear that than receive no feedback at all.

Thanks for any help

Post by **fb1969** » 27 Oct 2016, 20:06

It will depend on the office, the management and the other posties.

In my own experience and watching other newbies who joined after me, the sad RM answer is that it is unlikely you will get any "positive feedback". In other words, if nothing is said then you are doing ok - it is only if you do wrong that anything will ever be said! Speed will be come with time and doing a settled route or even just within one office - knowing what happens and when each morning will help.

Fethiyefan · Post by **Fethiyefan** » 27 Oct 2016, 20:16

Cheers fb1969

I almost thought that myself. Certainly not looking for praise but any constructive input is always welcome.

I live in a very rural area so the DO's in question are very small compared to inner city areas so this could be good or bad!

Not too great at suffering fools lightly so flippant or ill thought out "feedback" will be met with equal enthusiasm as will the constructive type.

Time will tell and thanks again

Post by **TrueBlueTerrier** » 28 Oct 2016, 16:28

I have been solo on my temporary walk for 7 deliveries which is booked as 21 hours (3 hours each) although it took me longer as a new start.

Claim any and all overtime. Its not only your right as an employee, you are also not expected to be up to speed for a few weeks at least and there is a "Training Budget" that managers can use in such situations.

However, don't forget if you even think you will be going over, tell the manager. Even if you are willing to work over, they need to know so they can pay you, or if they have spare resources

then they can get them to help you.

Fethiyefan · Post by **Fethiyefan** » 29 Oct 2016, 13:09

Cheers TBT - sound advice indeed