Your next objective is to integrate yourself into the new organization. Here are seven steps to making it happen:
- Day One: Maintain Old Contacts
Start off by saying sending out 'thank yous.' Contact all the people who helped you get the new position. Often people don't make this effort because they feel they'll be in the new job for a long time. But today, when the average American changes jobs every four years, the odds say you're going to change jobs again soon. You need to keep the network alive.
- Avoid "Big Projects" The First Three Months
On your second day, you think: "Here comes a big project! I'll take this one on and really impress them." This is a mistake that many people make in the first three months of employment. It's critical that you acquire knowledge about the system and the people. You cannot comprehend the implications yet of certain decisions you make. Your company isn't going to expect you to know everything in the first couple of weeks. Take your time to learn how things work.
- Get To Know The Stakeholders
These are those people who have a huge stake in your success. And they don't necessarily have a fancy title. Find out who they are. Ask for their support and offer yours to them. Start the bonding process.
- Identify Priorities And Challenges
Most of the world's unhappiness stems from the unmet expectations. Develop a plan that demonstrates how you will address your most critical challenges and the time frames that you expect completion. Communicate this with your boss.
- Keep An 'Up' Attitude
Do not share any concerns or misgivings about the job. Even if your boss appears to be going back on a promise, be careful. So when the boss (or anyone) asks you in the first three months, "how is it going?" the only good answer is "things are going wonderfully." You are still learning.
- Give Precise Meaning To Your Job
When asking for information, listen carefully to the input offered by fellow employees regarding ways to add more value to your new employer. Ask the question 'how was this job done before?' This will give you insight into how you might achieve some early successes.
- Keep Managing Your Career
It's understood that no one is going to watch out for your career but you. Setting vision and long-term goals is critical in the career management process. This certainly comes into play when projects come up. If a project fits into your long term career plans, then do it. If not, then gracefully decline (you are "too busy"). The more proactive you in taking on assignments that help you achieve your career goals, the quicker you will attain them.
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Randy brings expertise in executive search as a certified career coach. He has guided all levels of professionals in the areas of career transition: changing careers, choosing a career direction, evaluating/negotiating offers, executive career marketing, finding jobs, getting organized, as well as finding opportunities for self-employment, freelancing and consulting. He holds an IJCTC certificate from the Career Planning and Adult Development, a CCMC (Certified Career Management Coach) from Career Coach Academy, a PCRC (Professional Certified Retirement Coach) from the Retirement Coach Institute and certified coach for Now What? Life Blueprint Training. Randy hosts a TechCareers blog, Coach's Corner. You can email him at [email protected] or visit his Web site.
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