These tips are written “to calm the jitters” on a new job, regardless of age or experience. Now that you’re in a new position, organizations have their own culture and quirks. Get a head start; here’s how!
Before you ever show up for Day I – Check out commute time and alternate ways to get there when traffic problems arise. Observe appropriate attire and dress accordingly. Is a cafeteria on site or do you need to bring your own lunch? Are you permitted to personalize your office? Familiarize yourself with the local area to locate amenities in the neighborhood.
Avoid conducting personal business on company time. That includes overuse of all PDAs for personal use and internet access. Learn names; avoid gossip yet express “thanks for the heads up” when pertinent advice is offered.
Expect A Learning Curve…Everything is new. So relax and take it one day at a time.
Manage Your Reputation from Day One…Think ahead what “public identity” you want to introduce to the organization? Think before you speak.
Important first days: Create your own game plan … From the minute you arrive on Day 1, form a positive first impression with all you meet. Learn the ropes; ask questions; learn about the demands placed on your manager and others near you. Formulate your own learning agenda about where you need to focus and grow, whom will you ask as questions arise, critical work times during the day, week, and month, style of the office, management style and idiosyncrasies of the department. Find out which skills and talents of yours will be most valued and by whom.
Participate in company sponsored Onboarding program…Learn the “lay of the land,” ask questions and expand your knowledge of “how things work.” Obviously you convinced key players that you have significant value to share. During this period, you may complete a myriad of forms; learn about the organization, strategic as well as tactical information. Use this time to learn names and function of key players, the org. chart, required events. Begin to put names with faces, where your expertise may be valued and important. Figure out who are your “go to” people to get things done and identify internal business partners for diverse parts of the organization.
Get acquainted all around. Take initiative to meet department stakeholders plus others who can make your life easier at work. Put your experience to work. Hint: receptionists, admin assistants, and support staff are often one’s “salvation” on the job.
Look for ways to differentiate yourself…Establish your own style, work ethic, consistent behaviors. Look for ways to become a “go to” person in your area.
Value Diversity…Engage multiple generations and cultures in your work. Respect differences and invite inclusiveness.
Take advantage of “knowledge transfer”…learn from experienced workers before they retire. Ask questions and once you have a handle on that subject, pass it on. Knowing how and where to transfer knowledge and creating ways to leave an individual legacy are important for mindful career development strategists.
Expect New Terminology…Its all around us. Global economy; off shoring; Friday furloughs; mergers and acquisitions; reorganizing, restructuring, flexible work arrangements (fwa); telecommuting, age-related perks, discrimination, are just a few. Learn internal company acronyms, traditions and initiatives.
Accept Responsibility for Mistakes…Simply put, admit the truth. Debrief what happened, learn from the experience and how to avoid it in the future and move on.
When something similar comes up in the future, “don’t repeat history. “ Make a higher quality mistake next time around.
Strive for work/life balance…Control stress; cultivate outside interests, activities, and engage in fun times with family and friends. Don’t just survive, thrive. Watchwords for working today are change (its all we can count on), flexibility (don’t get too comfortable with the current situation), and collaborative communication (more than ever before, fewer people are doing more in less time with limited resources. We must work cohesively with colleagues).
Keep in mind… “Everything that happens to you is your teacher. The secret is to learn to sit at the feet of your own life and be taught by it.” -Polly B. Berends
