By Julie Cohen, PCC
The first three months in a new job, whether new to an organization, or in a new role at your current employer, sets the stage for your success, impact and satisfaction. Here are some important strategies to consider:
1. Know expectations of you – from your boss, from others around you, from the organization as a whole. Ask ‘What does success look like in 6 months? in one year?’ and understand that answer.
2. Set ‘clear agreements’ with your boss. Understand his/her working style so you can determine best approach to interact. Let boss know how you best work, too. Ask for what you need early on in your job, ideally in the first week.
3. If you’re stepping into a people-managing role, invest time getting to know your team and what they need. Make great first impressions by asking them ‘What do you need from me to continue your success?’ Have individual conversations and group conversations.
4. If you’re moving up and will be managing a former peer, discuss this transition you’re your colleague. Your professional relationship will need to change, and some personal interactions, too. Plan for this to maintain what matters – professionally and personally.
5. Listen, be curious and seek to understand – whether you’re in a new organization or even in the same one but with a more senior position, don’t assume you know it all. Understand the organizational and team culture you’re stepping into. Don’t immediately plan to change everything around you until you understand the real issues and challenges facing the organization, your team and your position.
6. Define three priorities – starting in a new role can be like drinking from a fire hose. You’ll need to learn a lot and do a lot. Have three concrete goals that you make sure you complete during this time frame to show the hiring manager they made the right decision.
7. Invest time in relationship building beyond your team – whether you work in an office or remotely, be seen and get to know people beyond those you interact with daily. Wander outside your team/project/silo/workgroup to meet other peers and leaders. Make sure your direct manager’s boss is on this list.
8. Know when and how to say ‘no’, or at least don’t say ‘yes’ to everything. Setting boundaries early in your position shows you know your priorities. It may be difficult in the beginning to do so, but the clearer you are about the best use of your time, the more successful you will be.
9. Set first evaluation/check-in with your boss. Some organizations may wait until 6 months, or even a year, for formal evaluation. If your boss is not giving you regular direction and input on how you’re doing, ask for it in a structured, formal way so you know your first three months have met and hopefully exceeded all expectations.
10. Take care of yourself. New jobs, like any transition, are likely to be very stressful as you are proving yourself to a new audience. Figure out what you need to do to take good care of yourself so you can operate at your best, and do it…every week.
What has been important when you’ve started a new job?
