The first few days of a new job are exciting, it represents a clean slate, a fresh start, and a chance to build or re-establish your reputation as well as provide for yourself and your family.
However, uncertainty, anxiety, and lack of familiarity can lead to a difficult adjustment period for some people. Some organizations recognize this and will have onboarding procedures designed to build confidence to make it easier for you to adjust, to help you fit in and reduce the anxiety you feel and foster a sense of inclusiveness and belonging so that you can begin to make a contribution as soon as possible.
In some organizations, you may have to do these things on your own.
You can do it though, consider this post as just “One More Tool You Can Use,” to help you or someone you know transition into a new organization. Everything listed below can help you and every one of them is something you can start doing today and won’t cost you anything.
Be Early – Before your first day, know where and when you should arrive. Plan your route and factor in traffic delays to try to arrive at least fifteen minutes early. Know where to park, which door to enter, and know who is going to meet you. These small but vital bits of information will help reduce nervousness and anxiety.
Try to relax – Everyone is nervous on their first day, so allow yourself to be human. Your new organization realizes that you have a lot to learn.
Don’t worry if your first day seems like a blur – Your first day is like the first day of school, full of introductions, tours, and paperwork. You will likely meet the people you will work with, do health and safety training, and they will start the process of introducing the organization’s culture and processes. Know with each passing day you will learn more, feel more comfortable, and you will develop a sense of belonging.
Don’t worry if things seem really difficult or don’t make sense – It is very easy to become overwhelmed by everything you need to learn and by how everyone else seems to understand everything more than you do. Remember, you are brand new; work hard, listen, ask questions, even ask the same questions if you don’t understand; everyone who seems to be so much more knowledgeable was just like you when they began.
Remember that every organization is different – You will learn, you will come to understand who everyone is, what they do, and what they expect from you; there may be some similarities to your other experiences or not.
Share your experiences and perspectives but watch your timing – It is okay to share those attributes and experiences you have; however, do so judiciously and be careful not to constantly talk about “what you used to do.” Everyone has a natural instinct when they are learning new systems and processes to discuss what has worked for them in the past because your new co-workers will rapidly tire of your past exploits regardless of how helpful you intend to be.
Remember you have two eyes and ears and only one mouth for a reason – Listen, ask questions, and learn before commenting about the merits or weaknesses of your new organization. Take the time to learn, understand, and appreciate what your new co-workers do before trying to correct them.
Take notes – You will be inundated with new people, responsibilities, systems and processes, and new routines. Eventually, you will become so comfortable you won’t need notes; however, nobody can remember everything in the beginning. Consider creating a list of “who’s who” with everyone you meet and note what they do. Throughout your training make lists of questions, or suggestions to ask at the appropriate time.
Use active listening – Ask questions – lots of questions – and listen to the answers. Ask for clarity if necessary and try to learn why things are done a certain way. Do not be afraid to say that you do not understand something.
Use active learning – In your first days nobody will expect you to change the world, so take advantage of that freedom from pressure and learn about their successes, their systems, processes, and their accomplishments – you will only be new once, so take in as much as you can.
Deliver value – Remember the expression is “Ready, Aim, Shoot,” and try to avoid the temptation of “shooting from the hip” before truly understanding the dynamics and expectations of your new organization.
Build and earn trust – Do what you say you will, when you say you will, and do your best work with every task you are assigned.
Take care to understand the organizational dynamics (part 1) – Listen to everyone from the top person to the people who clean the building. Everyone will help you learn the culture of the organization. Don’t be surprised if perception gaps exist between what the managers and owners believe is happening and what you see is really happening.
Take care to understand the organizational dynamics (part 2) – Virtually every existing associate will treat new people well; however, it is worth remembering that new associates can represent threats to the existing hierarchy in an organization. Do not underestimate how powerful the existing hierarchy is, particularly if you have been brought in to help drive innovation and change.
Don’t get fixated on titles – If you have been hired for a mid-to senior-level position, consider introducing yourself by name. Try “Hi, I’m Paul, I’m pleased to meet you,” rather than, “Hi, I am the new General Manager.” Your new co-workers will know who you are, and a personal approach with underlying humility can help to forge new working relationships. Purposefully try to put everyone at ease and encourage them to speak freely and it will help build your connections and ability to engage them.
Volunteer – As your training progresses and your ability to contribute improves, try to apply your new skills and knowledge as much as possible. If anyone needs a volunteer, make sure it is you.
Get involved – If your new organization has after-hours events, ensure that you make every effort to actively participate. These types of events are excellent ways to break down barriers and immerse yourself in their culture.
Make yourself available to answer questions – If you are a new supervisor or manager, and depending on your training, try to make yourself available to help as soon as possible.
Work hard and set a good example from day 1 – You want to be known as a person who can get things done, who doesn’t abuse their breaks, and, as a person who stays until the job is finished.
Ask for feedback – I have found that many organizations will assume you know what to do; however, when you are new, if your trainer or supervisor doesn’t provide feedback on how you are meeting their expectation, pick appropriate times and ask.
Don’t join the “complainers club” – Every workplace has one, it might not be obvious early in your training but you will learn who they are.
Expect to be watched, measured, and tested – This should not be a surprise, your new employers don’t know you or trust you at the beginning. Some people, especially veteran associates, seem to forget this and then wonder why their careers have stopped progressing, your willingness to develop your reputation should never stop at any point in your career.
Don’t think you will not make mistakes – Your new organization knows that it is going to happen, they expect you will in the beginning. It is okay: everyone does and will. Do your best, ask questions, admit to your mistakes, and try not to make the same mistake twice.
Allow yourself time to contribute – While being conscious of your training, work to build rapport with your co-workers and supervisors, listen to them, ask their advice, and be genuinely interested in them, their successes, and their struggles.
Use questions to learn about systems and processes, who does what, and where the minefields and opportunities are with your new organization. Allow yourself to be educated on your organization, continue to ask questions, being careful not to condemn or criticize what they are doing; there will be opportunities for you to offer improvement suggestions later.
Begin to demonstrate your abilities as opportunities present themselves and take care to build on what they have been doing. Earn trust and respect as you process through their training.
I find it difficult to start a new job like many people, not because I don’t think I have the skills, or experience to fulfill the job requirements; but because what each of us does for a living is such a big part of who we are. When starting a new job, our frames of reference have to be re-established, our co-workers and supervisors don’t know us and despite our past successes, we are starting from zero. It should be a very exciting time for you but consider using some or all of the points to relieve your stress and anxieties; they will help you adjust, fit in, and help you contribute.
Good luck,
Paul.
Ps. The post-it note with “You Belong Here” was a simple reminder I used and had stuck to my computer to remind me that I did belong when I doubted myself.