A FRESH START
Key strategies and learning skills for those taking up a new job to prepare themselves for a successful growth
First impressions count. Anyone starting a new job will feel the stakes of those first impressions. Newbies cannot rely on competence alone to establish themselves. The pool of workers making career shifts is larger than ever, and in many countries, people stay with a single employer for just over four years. The biggest challenge for career switchers is how they handle new interpersonal relationships at work. Most professions require some degree of teamwork and the success of organisations is determined in part by how well people gel.
Balance Initiative and Boundaries
When starting a new gig, we want to prove that we can perform, going above and beyond the scope of our role. Showing initiative and energy is important, but we should not step on people’s toes. Workplaces have preestablished roles and overstepping the mark could backfire. Make sure the scope of your job is crystal clear and spend time interacting with new colleagues to establish their responsibilities and the boundaries.
Reframe the Inevitable Conflict
Conflict is inevitable. In our quest for success, we are often competitive than collaborative, but organisational performance demands the reverse. When dealing with difficult co-workers, we must focus on our interests rather than positions. Reframing the conflict as joint problem-solving rather than an antagonistic situation leads to better integrated solutions.
Manage Up
The need to consciously work with our boss to perform well is important. After joining a new company, employees should make an effort to understand the boss’ communication preferences— both frequency and mode. You need to show how you are contributing and making progress, but in a way (and as often) as your supervisor prefers.
Interview the Job
Of course, jobs are a two-way street. Companies place emphasis on cultural fit these days, so it’s important to work out whether a new role or organisation suits you. The best way to do this is to converse with and analyse people in positions you
SHOWING INITIATIVE AND ENERGY IS IMPORTANT, BUT DON’T STEP ON PEOPLE’S TOES. WORKPLACES HAVE PREESTABLISHED ROLES AND OVERSTEPPING THE MARK COULD BACKFIRE.
aspire to. Ask yourself: are they leading lives I want to lead? If the answer is no, there’s no harm in moving on to find a better fit.
Prepare to Network
A new job or company offers the potential for you to expand your network. But many people find networking cringe-worthy, so here are some simple strategies for effective networking. Approach the larger groups to avoid the risk of disturbing a private conversation. Understanding cultural norms is also important. Be prepared to kick things off with an elevator pitch or a short summary of your calling in life.
Make Time for Goals
Develop skills and habits of self-reflection. Research shows that people who write down their goals are far more effective at achieving them than those who merely ponder them. It can be difficult to find the time for this amid busy schedules. Blocking out an hour in the calendar on a Friday helps to set aside time for uninterrupted reflection and goal-setting. For more sporadic thinkers, 10 minutes a day may be more effective.