Lucy Torres-Gomez may have been late to enter the politics game, and she may be exhausted by the campaign and elections period, but that doesn’t mean she isn’t ready to roll up her sleeves and put her back into the real work of being the Representative for Leyte’s fourth district. Says Lucy in this PEP.ph article, “I’m really exhausted emotionally and physically. But I am glad it’s all over—all the drama of the elections—and we can just all get down to work.”
Lucy was an eleventh-hour substitute for her husband, Richard Gomez, who was ruled ineligible for the position of congressman.
Still, the road to victory was steep and rocky for Lucy, whose detractors filed case after case to try to disqualify her from the race as well—and there’s talk that they will continue to do so. When asked about these detractors, Lucy, who is now being called “the most beautiful congresswoman ever elected” called for unity in the name of progress. “The people have already spoken,” she says. “What more proof do they need? We should [be] mature enough to accept defeat. Hopefully we can move forward and be united to work for progress.”
Lucy’s critics have expressed concern over her competence as a congresswoman. To this, Lucy admits, “Well, they have the right to do that and I understand where they are coming from. I never turn back on a challenge and I am not afraid to learn and ask questions.” She says that adjustments will be made to her already light career in show business, given her new responsibilities. Husband Richard has also assured her of his support and assistance.
Lucy’s definitely got determination going for her, but she’s also got a lot to learn. If you’re in a similar situation—starting a new position or role you’ve got little or no experience in—you might benefit from some of the tips below, which help you learn the ins and outs of a new trade while on the job.FIND A MENTOR
Luke Skywalker sought out his Obi-Wan Kenobi, and you should do the same. No Jedi mind tricks required—you just need to find someone who’s been there, done that, and willing to show you how things are done. This doesn’t mean you can’t shake things up and do things your way; it just means that it’s best to know how things are done traditionally before making any changes.
DO YOUR HOMEWORK
You need to research and read up, not just on the job you’re doing, but on the industry you’re venturing into. Since you’re new, you should show you know your stuff without overdoing it and coming off as a know-it-all; this will give you plus points on initiative and save your new colleagues the pain of having to hold your hand as you get used to how things are done.
PLAY TO YOUR STRENGTHS
Don’t think the things you’re good at outside of work are useless at the office. Make the most of your strengths, and use them in all aspects of your life. For example, if you’re a stay-at-home mom going back to work, you can use your time management skills and your expertise at handling petty disputes to make things at work run more smoothly. In Lucy’s case, she may want to use her popularity and charm to find out what people need and to make sure these needs are known to those in power.
ASK A LOT OF QUESTIONS
No one is expected to know everything she needs to know the moment she starts a new job, so, like Lucy, don’t be afraid or embarrassed to ask questions or look for guidance. There’s a Chinese proverb that goes, “He who asks is a fool for five minutes, but he who does not ask remains a fool forever.” You should keep this in mind.
DON’T TAKE THINGS PERSONALLY
You should expect criticism at all times, but particularly when you are starting out since this is when you’ll make the most mistakes. Don’t take these to heart as they are not reflections on who you are as a person. Never become defensive or argumentative. Instead, when you receive a criticism, make it constructive by asking the person dishing it out how he or she would advise you to do better, or ask him or her to point out what specific aspects of your work you should improve upon.
MAKE FRIENDS—LOTS OF THEM
Remember being in school—especially college—and the departmental secretary was your best friend? This is true even in the workplace. Make friends, not just with your colleagues and higher ups, but also with your secretaries, security guards, etc. If you’re in a large company have a go-to person in every department that interacts with yours, and make sure to remember them come Christmas or, even better, their birthdays. These are the people who will help you get your paperwork done faster and with a million other little favors. Of course, you should give others the same courtesy. Don’t think of it as being user-friendly; it’s about helping out friends who in turn help you out when you need it and maintaining a good rapport with the people you work with.
(Photos courtesy of Richard Gomez)
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