Congratulations, you’ve landed the job!
Now what? There are several steps you should take to help you start off on the
right foot and develop momentum as quickly as possible in your new role.
- Communicate
your transition with your network – be sure to communicate with all the
colleagues you are leaving including co-workers, customers, vendors, partners
and advisors. Be sure to also send a
note to everyone that helped you during your job search. Let them know where you landed and provide
them with your new contact information so the mutually beneficial relationship
can continue. Don’t forget to update
your information in LinkedIn, your alumni directories (including the Darden Community and other social network
platforms).
- Develop a
clear understanding of the expectations of your new role - meet with your
manager and be sure you fully understand the scope and responsibilities of the
job including expectations for the first three and six months. Have frank discussions about your manager’s
communication style, priorities and metrics that s/he will use to measure your
performance.
- Look for
quick wins – identify some things that you can do immediately (i.e., first
two weeks to one month) to get off to a good start and make the desired
impression.
- Understand
the business and the current business plan - before you start, research the current market landscape,
pressures facing the business and the key stakeholders.
- Explore
the culture and rituals more deeply – what personal and professional
characteristics are expected and valued, environmental and behavioral norms, as
well as how are decisions made.
- Identify and
learn about key people – get to know the important support staff, the
“real” decision makers and the true “movers” in your part of the company. Understand how they like to operate, their
biases, pet peeves, etc.
- Nurture
relationships – make opportunities to engage with your new manager and team
mates. Early morning breakfasts, lunches
or drinks after work help you connect on a personal basis. Don’t let the frenetic pace of business
disrupt your ability to have personal conversations.
- Schedule
check-ins early - ensure you, your manager and your subordinates are in
sync as you assimilate into the new role.
Over the first six months, schedule frequent one-on-one meetings to
discuss both the business results and your development.
- Set up a
feedback system – identify some key people who you can contact periodically
to discuss your methods of operation, what you’re doing, and how you are being
received and perceived around the company. Listen carefully for opportunities
to improve.
These resources
can be very helpful in contemplating how to make the strongest start possible