I used to have a way of asking it where it was part of us figuring out if or how much I can help this team by working here. I’ve lost the knack, and also what makes me quit is feeling like a janitor, so coming in day one already thinking like the cleanup crew is a bad plan. So maybe it’s just as well I don’t talk that way anymore.
I have the same reflex because it was true for at least 80% of all my gigs (I am a contractor for good 8 years now, with a full-time career in several companies for 13-14 years before that).
I get what you are saying though, if you are talking like that then people instinctively will want to allocate you where there are fires.
Truthfully though, I gave up caring. Most companies are IMO a train wreck in progress anyway. Might as well score political / influence points by going in and measurably helping others.
