Starting a new position is both exciting and challenging. The first few weeks set the tone for your success, making it crucial to establish strong habits early on. From building key relationships to understanding expectations, these ten actionable steps will help you adapt quickly, make a strong impression, and thrive in your new role.
What to Focus on When Starting a New Position
While stepping into a new role with a new organization is exciting, it can also be challenging and stressful as you navigate uncharted territory. The days of long honeymoon periods are gone, so read on for some suggestions to help you springboard into your new job.
1. Get a running start
Before showing up for the first day of work, be ready to hit the ground running. Do as much “pre-work” as you can:
- Research the competitive landscape and know how your products/services differ from the competition.
- Know the immediate goals for the business, the role, and the challenges you may face.
- Ask to have forwarded to you priority documents to review.
- Know the members of your team, who you will be reporting to, and anything else that will help prepare you.
Tip: One of the best onboarding strategies is to familiarize yourself with company goals, key stakeholders, and internal processes before your first day.
2. Build and maintain long-lasting relationships every day
You can only develop sustainable rapport or credibility with people from behind a desk. Put on your PR hat every day with sincerity, and never take any relationship for granted. Meet with all the stakeholders who have a vested interest in your role early on.
If you are the CEO, have individual time with board members and your staff. Invite colleagues for lunch or coffee.
If you are in a corporate role, visit the field regularly.
If you are in a business unit, find reasons to interface in person with corporate colleagues via leadership councils, project teams, etc.
If you are in sales, get in front of the customer often, and keep them from telling them how good you are; show them!
No matter your role, building relationships is an essential part of bold successful onboarding. The customer’s perception is reality, and they will find a way to work together if they like and respect you.
3. Ask Questions and LISTEN When Starting a New Position
Starting a new position is a learning experience, and the best way to grow is by asking questions and actively listening. You’re not learning anything when you’re talking, so take the time to absorb insights from colleagues at all levels. Be humble, seek help when needed, and show that you value others’ experiences and opinions. Solicit candid feedback, be a team player, and leverage your resources.
4. Quickly assess your team
Understanding how a company operates is key to integrating successfully when starting a new position. Take time to observe whether the workplace fosters a transparent, collaborative environment or if communication is more structured and formal.
Pay attention to how colleagues interact—do they engage over lunch and informal meetings, or is communication primarily through email and scheduled discussions? Assess the level of involvement from leadership, including the Board, and get a sense of your boss’s management style.
5. Identify quick wins
Who do you need to impress? What short-term things can you do once you have figured that out? What can you do quickly to impress your team, the person you report to, and, if different, the person who hired you?
6. Think before you respond
Create a 90-day plan and deliver. As we all know, proper planning helps prevent poor performance. Identify priorities and set goals to achieve business objectives. Follow through on your promises, including when and how you will act.
7. Embrace change
Don’t just talk about it, do it! Any person or function without innovation and productivity is a liability.
8. Embrace the culture
You were hired because the Board or hiring committee believed you have the right skills and experience and are an excellent fit for the corporate culture. Embrace that culture. Identify the most successful people in the organization and note how they interact with their teams and colleagues. Observe the ebb and flow of the workday and absorb the unspoken rules of the company.
9. Get involved
Sign up for a company event or team and volunteer to take on a leadership role as appropriate. Learn about and be proud of the company’s products and services. Strive to make your company the best in its field. Join the company’s Facebook fan page and LinkedIn page and read its blog.
10. Believe in yourself!
If you don’t, who will? You can’t fool the audience. Take a deep breath, show your confidence, and let everybody know this will work out!
Making an Impact After Starting a New Position
Starting a new position is an opportunity to grow, build relationships, and make an impact. By following these steps, you can confidently navigate the transition and set the foundation for long-term success.
If you’re looking for expert guidance in hiring top talent or making strategic career moves, The Alexander Group is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our executive search and advisory services.