Many people hire a Coach to help them determine what kind of career to pursue and to obtain employment in that field. But what might be just as important is having a Coach or peer support when you start the new position. This time is critical for maintaining the job, adjusting to the culture, building credibility, developing new skills, and feeling successful.

And yet people often start a new job alone with no assistance. A call for help happens later when a crisis occurs or when enthusiasm evaporates. But what if you had gotten off to a better start?

What constitutes a successful beginning? Think about examples of your great career starts. Or so-so or horrible ones. What were the defining features of each? It’s easy to blame a poor fit, a terrible boss, lazy co-workers or a declining industry. But what if you take responsibility for the outcome?

Negotiating well the transition to a new job provides you with confidence, skills, and self understanding. Maybe in time you discover this career path doesn’t bring you enduring satisfaction. But you can leave knowing you did your best to bring value to the organization and to grow your skills.

Let’s look at some tools for getting a good start. Michael D. Watkins in his book “The First 90 Days: Proven Strategies for Getting Up to Speed Faster and Smarter” identifies 10 action steps to ensure a great transition. We’ll explore creating early relationships and building your reputation.

Entering a new job or even taking a promotion at your current employment can be similar to the first day of school. You don’t know what to expect, you feel alone, and you wonder if you’re up to the challenges. That anxiety can be used to energize you for the work ahead. Being in top shape can make the first weeks more manageable. Entering with a curious, positive mind opens you up for learning and growth.

“Toto, I have a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore”
L. Frank Baumen

Bill has a new position with a company he has respected for years. He can’t believe his good fortune in having this opportunity. He negotiated a start date that allows him to take two weeks off to rest, relax, and prepare between jobs. He will use that time to recharge, mentally let go of his previous responsibilities, and to do further research on his new company. Bill will enter his position clear headed and eager for work.

Even before you begin a new job you are building your reputation through your resume, your interviews, and your interactions with human resources. Once you enter the door on your first day, all eyes will be on you. How you handle yourself and your early communications can seriously impact your success on the job.

Being able to demonstrate confidence, curiosity, and clarity will go a long way toward leaving a positive impression. Take time to meet everyone from administrative staff to executives. Show an interest in them and their roles. Be approachable. You can be the listener in this phase. You don’t need to prove yourself yet or offer an opinion.

While you are getting introduced, you can begin identifying the people who will be crucial to your success. They may be peers, or superiors, or specialists. It’s important to determine who will become your teachers, allies, and fans. Other staff can work with you or sabotage your results. So it’s important to build trusting relationships and distinguish where the power and influence lie.

In the initial days of a new position, you are a learner. You may have been hired to do an existing job, take on a brand new role, or to make organizational changes. While there are expectations that you produce results, take some time to secure the information and relationships needed to implement wise decisions. You may feel overwhelmed and in a foreign land. This, in fact, is a new culture to navigate. It does get better, but true comfort many not come for months.

“The heaviness of being successful was replaced by the lightness of being a beginner again, less sure about everything. It freed me to enter one of the most creative periods of my life.”
Steve Jobs

Continue to take care of yourself. Next month we will look at following through on expectations.

Have a beginner’s mind:

Prepare well for the first days
Communicate an attitude of learning
Express your enthusiasm
Find your tribe
Make sense of the culture

Relish your opportunity and see you on the path!