Unit 3?Meeting your new boss or supervisor 會見老板

Key terms

1. to learn the ropes——to learn the basic skills for a new task?學(xué)習(xí)做法；掌握竅門

2. [someone’s] door is open——the subject welcomes questions and?will not mind being interrupted in his?or her of?ce?提供機會

3. to have a lot on one’s plate——to participate 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?抓到訣竅

6. to get into the swing of things——to get used to things; to get?accustomed to a routine?進入狀態(tài)；投入

7. wing?it——to perform without preparation or?forethought, to improvise?即興發(fā)揮

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?負責(zé)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 database, 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??