Starting a new job can be a thrilling yet challenging endeavor. With a new environment to adapt to, new colleagues to work with, and new responsibilities to undertake, it can feel like navigating uncharted waters. However, as Helen Keller once said, “A bend in the road is not the end of the road…unless you fail to make the turn.” Success in a new role can be achieved with strategic planning, relationship building, a hunger for learning, and adaptability.
Understand Your Role
The first step to success in a new role is understanding what exactly is expected of you. This involves not only a comprehensive grasp of your job description but also an understanding of the key performance indicators (KPIs) against which your performance will be measured. As Laszlo Bock, former SVP of People Operations at Google, states in his book “Work Rules!”, understanding your role and how it fits into the company’s goals is vital for success1.
Create a 30, 60, 90-Day Plan
A structured plan for your first few months can be an instrumental tool to help you prioritize tasks, set objectives, and track your progress. It sets a clear path and helps prevent feeling overwhelmed by the myriad of new experiences and responsibilities.
Build Relationships
Networking and building positive relationships within the company is a cornerstone of long-term success. As Dale Carnegie highlighted in his bestseller, “How to Win Friends and Influence People,” strong relationships are a key element in achieving professional success2.
Learn the Company’s Culture
Every company has its unique culture—a blend of its mission, values, and norms. Understanding and integrating into this culture is crucial for your happiness and success in the company.
Seek Feedback
Feedback is a tool for improvement. As Ed Batista, executive coach at Stanford Graduate School of Business, emphasizes, seeking and acting upon feedback is key to professional growth3.
Continue Learning
In today’s fast-paced world, continuous learning is non-negotiable. Embrace the mindset of a lifelong learner, continuously honing your skills and knowledge pertaining to your role and industry.
Show Initiative
Demonstrating initiative can set you apart. Whether it’s volunteering for a new project, proposing improvements, or proactively problem-solving, showing engagement and commitment to adding value to the company is a marker of success.
Stay Organized
Keeping track of your tasks, deadlines, and meetings is integral. As productivity expert David Allen states in “Getting Things Done,” staying organized is the foundation of productivity4.
Practice Good Communication
Effective communication is a cornerstone in any role. Ensuring that your communication is clear, concise, and respectful can help prevent misunderstandings and foster positive relationships.
Take Care of Yourself
Last but not least, maintaining physical and mental well-being is essential. As Arianna Huffington advocates in her book “Thrive,” self-care is critical to our ability to succeed and thrive5.
Setting yourself up for success when entering a new role at a new company is critical, not just for the immediate positive impact but for the long-term trajectory of your career. It’s about making the most of the opportunity, paving the way for growth and success, and turning the ‘bend in the road’ into a path leading to a fulfilling professional journey.
References
1: Bock, L. (2015). Work Rules!: Insights from Inside Google That Will Transform How You Live and Lead. Hachette UK
2: Carnegie, D. (1936). How to Win Friends and Influence People. Simon and Schuster
3: Batista, E. (2019). The Art of Self-Coaching. Stanford Graduate School of Business
4: Allen, D. (2001). Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity. Penguin
5: Huffington, A. (2014). Thrive: The Third Metric to Redefining Success and Creating a Life of Well-Being, Wisdom, and Wonder. Harmony