A brief guide to understanding that you can do this.
The first few days of a new job can be exciting. A new job and new co-workers can represent a clean slate and a fresh start. It is a chance to build or re-establish reputations and continue to build your professional network and reputation.
It can also be a time of high anxiety and self-imposed pressure as sometimes even the most confident of people may question their abilities. Equally difficult is the stress and anxiety felt by people just entering the workforce or who experience a lack of self-confidence and/or social anxiety. They may worry about their ability to “fit in,” to be able to deliver what is expected and to have to work through carving out a new role for themselves and establish their place in their new organization.
Some organizations recognize this and will have onboarding procedures to help build confidence and reduce the inevitable anxiety. Some organizations may not have realized the importance of properly addressing anxiety and building confidence for their new people. If there is a gap between what they deliver and what you need, there are ways to help yourself to bridge those gaps.
First, congratulations you are starting a new job. Finding a job or a new job is difficult and you have accomplished this and it is important to remember you were the best candidate and when you have doubts about your confidence and yourself, “You deserve to be here!”
Remember while every organization is different, you are not the first person to experience “new job” stress and anxiety and many people have felt the way you do right and they have overcome those feelings and so will you.
Talk to people. Try to avoid isolating yourself and your feelings when joining an organization. Having a person or persons to share your anxieties with will help put them in perspective and help you realize your feelings happen to most people. Additionally, realizing you can mitigate your anxiety will help you regain some degree of control and help to build your confidence.
Be early. On your first day, make sure you have lots of time to arrive and get settled. Hopefully, you have already been told where to park, what entrance to use, and who is going to greet you. If your new employer hasn’t explained these points, having extra time will help lessen your stress while you figure out those points. Also, plan on traffic delays and other issues so you have the luxury of being relaxed. While these are small points, they can reduce your anxiety and make those first interactions go more smoothly. Additionally, being early will be noticed and appreciated by your new employer.
Try to relax. Everyone is nervous the first day, so remember that it is okay to feel that way. Usually, organizations realize all new hires have a lot to learn. Almost every organization knows that you feel anxious, they will have an onboarding process that will train you on their basics. These will help you build your confidence and help you to start contributing by following a “building block” approach. If they do not have an onboarding process, then build one yourself. Additionally, having a notebook and writing down details is an effective way to help yourself.
You don’t have to learn everything the first day. Your first day will be full of introductions and tours, meeting the people you will work with, health and safety training, and starting to learn the processes and culture of the organization. It will be a blur of activity. That’s okay, try to remember what you can, and at the end of your first day and each subsequent day, spend a few minutes to review what you learned.
Make Notes. As mentioned, having and using a notebook will help you as you try to remember the names of the people you meet and what they do. Some organizations may provide a list of “who’s who.” As your systems and process training progresses, also keep your own notes and record your thoughts for future reference.
Ask questions – lots of questions. It’s okay to ask for clarity when and if necessary. Try to learn the “why” as well as the “how” of the way things are done. Do not be afraid to say that you do not understand, most employers would prefer repeating themselves than having a new person make mistakes. The only “dumb question” is the one that isn’t asked.
Opinions and critical observations: Be cautious with critical opinions until you fully understand their processes. This is a trap I have fallen into many times if my desire to be helpful and “demonstrate my skills,” only to be perceived as arrogant and ill-informed. There will be time for you to provide input and feedback; your first few days may not be that time.
Mistakes. Perhaps the most important thing for you to know in a new job is you are going to make mistakes … most good organizations will expect you to. The fear of making mistakes can be one of a new person’s greatest anxieties. Know that it is okay; everyone does and will. Do your best, ask questions, and admit and own your mistakes. Try not to make the same mistake twice. I always told new people on their first day, “If you make a mistake that we haven’t seen before, we will name it after you.” We never had to do that.
Give yourself time to learn. In your first days, nobody will expect you to change the world. Take time to learn, watch, and listen. Listen to everyone from the top person to the person who cleans the floors. Everyone will help you learn the culture of the organization. By interacting with the existing people, most will want to help you and many of them will teach you the rules of the organization, both the written and hidden unwritten ones. An example of a hidden rule could be how a manager accepts criticism while many managers say they welcome “constructive criticism from their people,” often there are limits to when and how they want to hear about what you think they’re doing wrong. Learn by listening and watching which ones welcome and encourage your comments.
Don’t be intimidated by a seemingly vertical learning curve. You are not likely the first person your organization has trained. Trust their processes and as above, give it time to work. If you are anxious about how much you must learn, take the time to plan, work with your manager or supervisor, and “work the problem.”
Expectation Anxiety. Some new people are stressed because their expectations for themselves exceed the organization’s expectations. People who join an organization from another organization often go from a position of leadership to one where they are virtually starting over and that can be very difficult causing a potential lack of confidence and anxiety. Whether a senior person or someone brand new, often your expectations are that you can “jump right in” and contribute which is almost impossible for anyone. Set realistic expectations, create a plan on how to achieve your goals, and adjust, as necessary.
Posturing and pecking orders. You will find virtually all existing associates are very good to new people. However, there are always exceptions. It is worth remembering that new associates can represent a threat to the existing hierarchy in an organization for some people. Try not to let that intimidate you. You were hired because you were the best person the organization could find. Ensure that you support your supervisor or manager, and don’t get caught in “mind games” that some people might use.
Don’t get hung up on titles, especially yours. 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 why you have been hired and may be wary of you; therefore, using a personal approach will help to forge new working relationships and reduce their anxiety or fears about you might change things.
Initially operate “under the radar.” Exercise humility to put everyone at ease and learn about them and what is important to them. This will help encourage people to speak more freely and it will help establish your reputation as someone who is approachable and inclusive.
Get involved, volunteering is possible. Feeling isolated is a frequent problem for new people in an organization. As your training progresses and your ability improves, try to apply your new skills and knowledge as much as possible. If anyone needs a volunteer, make sure it is you. If your new organization has any after-hours events, ensure that you make every effort to attend and actively participate. These types of events are excellent ways to break down barriers and introduce yourself to their culture.
You belong. Many new people who feel isolated or anxious may feel like they made a mistake accepting their new job. A cool reception or several mistakes in the first few days can reinforce their doubts and make them feel like they don’t belong. If you experience these feelings, talk to your coworkers and/or your supervisor. Good organizations will help you overcome these feelings.
Be responsive. One of the best ways to integrate yourself into a new organization is to be accessible and helpful as soon as possible. When asked for assistance, make every effort to respond quickly.
Be seen to be a hard worker. Having a reputation as a person who works hard and cares about the job you do can help with acceptance by your coworkers. Additionally, being seen to be a person who doesn’t abuse their breaks, and a person who stays until the job is finished is a fantastic way to establish your reputation.
Avoid the “complainers club.” Every workplace has one of these groups. People who seem only to be happy when they are unhappy. It may be difficult to identify these people in your first few days, but by listening and watching, you will notice them because they seem to spend more time complaining about their job than doing it.
Everything is a test. It should not surprise you that during your first few days, you are being measured, watched, and evaluated. In fact, you should expect this throughout your career. Instead of letting this add to your stress and anxiety, try to look at this as an opportunity. It is an opportunity to show what you can do. It is a great way to build trust. Perhaps, most importantly, it is a way to advance and be considered for greater rewards. Some people, especially people who have forgotten this seem to wonder why their career has stopped progressing. You should strive to develop your reputation as a person who works just as hard when the boss is in the room as you do when the boss is on vacation.
Being anxious, feeling isolated, not feeling like you belong, worrying about mistakes, and being even a little intimidated are all perfectly natural reactions when starting a new job. Realizing to feel any other way would be surprising. You are not the first person, nor will you be the last person to feel that way.
Recognize the signs and then do something about it.
Have faith in your abilities; remember you were hired because your organization believed in you. Get involved, talk to people, ask questions, listen, and ask more questions. Follow your organization’s onboarding plan, and if there isn’t one, develop your own. Be aware of what you need to learn; but also don’t forget what you already know. Do your best and try not to worry too much that you are not learning fast enough. Work hard and trust in yourself. Your confidence and abilities will increase as the days and weeks pass.
I’m not saying it will necessarily be easy, but it will be worth the effect. You belong, and you can do this.
Good luck,
Paul.