Starting a new job is a milestone to be celebrated. You made it through the hiring process – congratulations! But now you’re here, how do you ensure that you land with maximum impact and enjoy getting settled into your new environment? How do you ensure you build trusting relationships with your line manager and colleagues? How do you absorb new information at speed, and develop new skills?
Whether working remotely, in the office, or through a hybrid mix, start as you mean to go on by following these top tips:
Be inquisitive
The quickest and most rewarding way to get up to speed with your new organisation and the people you now work with is by asking lots of questions. Asking specific questions that address the demands of your role and the needs of the wider organisation will not only help you find your footing in the business, it will prove that you’re interested in and committed to the company. Don’t be afraid to also ask those ‘silly’ questions too, chances are someone else before you has asked exactly the same thing.
Asking colleagues questions will also make your job easier in the long run, because you will then know exactly who to talk to about what, thereby streamlining your work in the future. This will not only boost your productivity, but you may even make a new friend and forge stronger bonds. The career and social benefits of being curious are endless.
Adapt and adopt
Adapt your work and communication style to suit your new organisation. Between questions make sure you take the time to listen to the people you work with, discovering how they work best and what challenges they are facing. You can then focus on how you work to support others.
You don’t need to dim your personal shine and lose what makes you an individual but think about the organisation’s image and business culture when you are representing them. Are there any unwritten norms or ways of working that are important to how the organisation goes about its business? Demonstrating you are an adaptable and flexible individual is an invaluable skill when you are looking to progress into managerial roles.
In the current climate, many businesses will have ways for you to keep in touch with colleagues remotely, so make sure you’re aware of these channels and use them appropriately. If you’re starting out working from home, it can be hard to build new relationships. Try finding out more about your colleagues, beyond their job title and key deliverables. Perhaps share a link that shows new colleagues something more about you – like your favourite hobbies or sports. If you’re working from the office it’s great to spend lunch breaks with colleagues, but don’t forget those who might be working hybrid patterns – and get to know them through technology.
Self-Reflection is key
Ensuring that you’re taking time out of your week to look back and reflect on what you’ve done and what you’ve learnt is a great way to improve in the future. Self reflection is essential to understanding yourself and how you work best. By rethinking situations through and examining your thoughts neutrally, you gain a better understanding of the way ahead in both career and life. Even better, self-reflection allows you to de-clutter your mind and focus on what is both urgent and important. This is a key skill in your first 90 days in a new job.
One simple and non-taxing way of working self-reflection into your life is by journaling. Whilst it may sound daunting, there are many guided self reflective journals on the market and some specifically are focused on improving your career and work. Picking up and engaging with one of these regularly will seriously improve your outlook and help guide you to a clearer future.
Avoid burnout
Working hard is one thing, but even in the first 90 days of a new job it’s important to take breaks and establish a work life balance from the get-go. With many organisations still operating from dining room tables and home offices around the world this can be much easier said than done, but a balance between work and life is essential to a healthy mindset.
If you are to be working from home, try to separate the space where you work from the space that you relax in. It’s certainly tempting to work on your laptop from bed, but it’s unlikely to help your posture or productivity.. If you need any specific equipment to complete tasks or things that would make you more comfortable, speak to your line manager about adjustments that can be made.
Another way of looking after your wellbeing in your new role is to create a routine. Ask your manager about official break timings and company social events. You can then factor these into your schedule along with work tasks and personal activities, such as relaxation and exercise, to have a varied day that gives you time away from your desk to keep you happy and healthy.
Starting a new job is a scary, exciting, nerve wracking and formative experience but if you follow these tips, remember to breathe, reflect and listen to your body, then you’ll settle into your new role in no time. Good luck!
About the Author:
Elisa Nardi, is a former Chief People Officer, now executive coach, mentor, author, non-executive director and CEO of Notebook Mentor