As with all changes there is an emotional and psychological adjustment. The first few days in a new role can be challenging. A change of routine at home and working in a new environment, and a new team and stakeholders to engage can feel overwhelming at first. This is when preparation and planning pay off. It is useful to break down your time and energy into manageable chunks.
The first 30 days can be your first milestone and this checklist can support you to structure that.
- Be confident about what you bring to the workplace and aware of any vulnerabilities and lay the ground work for success.
- Agree objectives and expectations with your manager for the first 3-6 months
- You need to prioritise ruthlessly – work out the important from the less important and plan appropriately.
- Familiarise yourself with the strategy, structure, systems, skills and culture.
- Create coalitions – whose support is critical to your success in role and your career going forward?
- Engage your team – assess where they are up to, agree expectations, support and goals to ensure you are on the same page.
- Prioritise what you work on – where can you make the most impact? What will you be measured by? What could you delegate to others?
- Remind yourself of your key strengths and transferrable skills – use them as much as you can to secure some early wins and build your confidence and your credibility.
- Work out what balance means for you. Identify and implement things to ease the transition for you, your family and your colleagues.
- You start a new role with fresh eyes. What issues and opportunities do you see around you? Even if you cannot act on them make a note before they become business as usual.
- It is not unusual to find it tough in the early days – if so, let your manager know, ask for support and connect with a buddy or mentor who can help you for the first 30days