Unit 1 Meeting your new boss or 会见老板
Key terms
1. to learn the ——to learn the basic skills for a new task 学习做法；掌握窍门
2. ［someone’s］ door is open——the subject welcomes questions and will not mind being interrupted in his or her office 提供机会
3. to have a lot on one’s plate——to in many projects or other activities at once; to be busy 忙碌
4. to get a handle on things——to learn to understand the workings of a system or project; to become more comfortable with an environment or process掌控
5. to get the hang of something——to understand how something works; to understand one’s duties 抓到诀窍
6. to get into the of things——to get used to things; to get accustomed to a routine 进入状态；投入
7. it——to perform without preparation or forethought, to improvise 即兴发挥
8. go-to person/go-to guy——slang for a person to turn to for help and support for a particular task; someone relied upon 负责人
Katharine goes to her new supervisor’s office to introduce herself
Jacob: Come in, welcome. You must be Katharine. I’m Jacob Smith.
Katharine: It’s very nice to meet you.
Jacob: And you. How are you settling in so far? Has Barbara got you all set up?
Katharine: Oh yes, she’s been really helpful. Everyone has. I’m working on learning the ropes now and getting as involved as I can.
Jacob: That’s what we need from you, so that sounds great. Have you got any questions for me right now?
Katharine: No, I don’t think so. I’m sure I will have some as I continue working, though. If I have questions about the , I should go to Ann, right?
Jacob: Yes, Ann’s the lead on that project. And my door is always open—though I have a lot on my plate at the moment, so I might not always be inside!
Katharine: Thank you!
Sample Sentences
A. Asking about someone’s comfort at work
1. How is everything going so far?
2. Are you getting a handle on things yet?
3. Are you getting the hang of the database?
4. Is everything starting to make sense?
5. Are you getting used to things yet?
B. Describing being new to a position
6. I’m just getting my feet wet.
7. I’m learning all the time.
8. I’m doing my best to absorb everything everyone is telling me.
9. I think I’m getting into the swing of things.
10. They’re just going to let her wing it until the new training program starts next week.
C. Asking questions about new duties
11. Who should I talk to about the telephone system?
12. If I have a question about the data, should I speak to George?
13. Who is the go-to person on the project?
