Read the Expertise Hierarchy

Every team has an informal hierarchy of who gets to speak on what. Map it quickly by noticing who defers to whom in meetings.

Don't challenge that hierarchy head-on. Earn your place instead by contributing unique value — a different skill set, a fresh perspective, or data nobody else has. Build informal alliances with the people who have been on the team longest. They know the unwritten rules and can warn you about political landmines before you step on them.