The First 90 Days are Critical...

Are you starting a brand new job this year or taking the next step on the career ladder? Often the start of the New Year is a time when many of us take stock and want to make the changes in our lives that we spent most of the last year complaining about.

If you are making the leap it can be thrilling to think of the new challenges and possibilities ahead of you. But equally you probably weren't expecting to feel so full of doubt and fearful as you embark upon your new role. To ensure future success, The First 90 Days in a new job is a critical time. Although a honeymoon period, it is also when you can be at your most vulnerable; without allies and strategic alliances to support and protect you.

Failure to maximize this limited window of opportunity could lead to misunderstandings, lack of confidence or the awful realization that you've made a big mistake. Tested tips include:

• Be Prepared. Don't go in "blind" - be sure to orient yourself and learn about the company and the people you will work with before you start. Ask for relevant materials, business plans, strategy documents and research the business in advance.
• Plan Ahead. Make small goals before or shortly after you start. For example: by the end of the first month you may want to have met the stakeholders, read and understood the strategy plans or reviewed the Key Performance Indicators for your business.
• Orientate Yourself. Don't expect the induction programme to meet all your needs. Be clear about what you require: equipment, site visits, bank details, insurance cover, health and safety and be sure you're registered on the payroll without delay.
• Be a Culture Vulture. Pick up by listening, asking and observing what the organizational culture is. Communication styles, flexibility, sharing information - how do people work? Don't pick up bad habits though which may be the result of organizational apathy or laziness.
• Understand Your Boss. Start to observe their likes, dislikes and foibles from the off and keep your assumptions to yourself.
• Be a Team Player. Make a big effort to get to know and understand the different styles, personalities and capabilities of those around you. Who do you have a connection with? Learn from their expectations, goals, disappointments, fears and concerns. Be open-minded yet cautious at the same time.
• Establish Boundaries. It's important to do this from the start. Inform people that you will not be taken advantage of, be talked down to or undermined publicly or routinely be made to do unprecedented extra work. Be clear about what you will and won't do so that you can manage other people's expectations.
• Ensure a Good Work/life Balance. It is tempting to overwork to prove yourself in a new job. If you're in overwhelm and burn out you are of little use at work or at home. Remember this is a time to practice self care through exercise, healthy eating and social time. Don't forget that you have a life outside of work.

If you are planning a job move or about to start a new role contact CareerInsights at
info@careerinsights.co.uk
and find out more about our coaching for The First 90 Days Programme

See our website at: www.careerinsights.co.uk