Essential Strategies for Thriving in Your First 90 Days at Work
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Chapter 1: Introduction to Your New Role
Starting a new job can feel like embarking on a fresh chapter of your life, and you are the one to write it. How do you ensure you make a strong impression during your initial three months? What actions can you take to showcase your value? Building relationships is essential to your success.
In the wake of the Great Reshuffle, many individuals are transitioning into new roles. If you're among them, you might be pondering how to effectively launch your new position. Gaining visibility and ensuring a seamless onboarding experience are crucial.
Fortunately, there are several straightforward yet impactful strategies that can help you excel in your new role. Let's explore five essential actions to take during your first 90 days at a new job.
Section 1.1: Define Your Success
Understanding what success means to you in your new position is vital. Consider the outcomes you aim to achieve in the first three months, six months, and year. Seek feedback from your supervisor and peers.
Everyone has a unique perspective on success. It is a personal journey, and having clarity on your definition enables you to align with others' expectations. Your fulfillment is the ultimate measure of your success, whether it stems from pursuing your passions or achieving a certain status.
Key takeaway: Reflect on your personal definition of success. The Oxford dictionary describes it as "the accomplishment of an aim or purpose." What does success look like for you?
Section 1.2: Cultivate Your Personal Brand
Your personal brand encapsulates your skills, experiences, and personality. It reflects how you present yourself, narrate your story, and interact with others. It is an expression of your core values and beliefs.
Identify three key attributes you want others to associate with you and incorporate them into your conversations. This will help others recognize the unique value you bring to the team and the organization.
Your personal brand is already in play, whether you are aware of it or not. Your reputation precedes you, so ensure it’s one that invites collaboration and connection.
Key takeaway: Take charge of your personal brand. Understand how you are perceived and strive to create a positive impact.
The first video, "First 90 Days at a New Job: 5 Tips to Make it a Success," offers valuable insights into making a strong start in your new role.
Section 1.3: Foster Meaningful Relationships
The first three months are critical for building connections at various levels within the organization. Engage with colleagues who are senior, at your level, and those who report to you.
Establishing your presence and getting to know your coworkers is essential for long-term success. Schedule brief meetings with key individuals to introduce yourself. Demonstrating curiosity and a willingness to support others will foster goodwill and cooperation.
Key takeaway: Building strong relationships is key to thriving in your new role. Understand your colleagues’ preferred communication styles and feedback methods.
Section 1.4: Discover the Unwritten Rules
Every workplace has its set of unwritten rules. Understanding these dynamics will facilitate your navigation within the company. Familiarize yourself with how decisions are made and tasks are executed, as this knowledge is crucial for your success.
Get to know both formal and informal leaders within various departments. Remember, job titles don't always provide the full picture. Learning these unspoken rules will help you integrate smoothly into the team.
Key takeaway: Initially, respect the unwritten rules of your new workplace. As you become established, you can begin to influence these norms.
Section 1.5: Establish Clear Expectations
Setting clear expectations is crucial for your relationships and work processes. Communicate how often you will connect, the channels you will use, and the feedback mechanisms in place.
When expectations are clearly defined, it minimizes misunderstandings and frustrations. Understanding both your own and your colleagues' expectations is vital for emotional intelligence in your new environment.
Key takeaway: Clarifying expectations is essential for success in your new role. Avoid assumptions about communication styles and work preferences.
Chapter 2: Conclusion
Your initial three months at a new job are pivotal for establishing a solid foundation. By defining your success, cultivating your brand, building relationships, understanding the culture, and setting expectations, you can ensure a successful start.
Even if you've already passed the three-month mark, there’s still ample opportunity to create meaningful contributions.
“I still get the jitters every time I start a new job! I love it — makes you feel alive.” — Camille Guaty, an American film and television actress
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The second video, "Starting a New Job? Here's a 90-Day Plan from Harvard," provides a structured approach to navigating your first months successfully.