The first few days of a new job are exciting. A new job and new co-workers represent a clean slate and a fresh start. It is chance to build or re-establish reputations and a professional network.
For some, it can also be a period of anxiety and discomfort as they attempt to carve out a comfort zone from the new and unknown. Good organizations recognize this and will have on-boarding procedures to build confidence and reduce stress.
The following are some helpful hints that can help you or someone you know navigate the first few days with a new organization.
BE EARLY – On your first day, make sure you have lots of time to arrive: plan on traffic delays and other issues. Know where to park, which door to enter, and know who is going to meet you. All of these things are small but vital bits of information that can reduce nervousness and anxiety for new people on their first day. A secondary benefit of being early is that it impresses your new employer.
RELAX – Everyone is nervous the first day, so allow yourself to be human. Your new organization realizes that you have a lot to learn. They should have an on-boarding process that will train you on the basics and allow you to build your confidence and to begin to contribute in small steps using a building block approach.
I always told new associates, “The goal of the first day is to get it out of the way.” It is kind of like the first day of school when you were a kid. Usually the day is full of introductions and tours; you will meet the people you will work with, do health & safety training, and they will start the process of introducing the organization’s culture and processes.
The first day will feel like a blur: it is that way for everyone.
MAKE NOTES – Plan on making a list of the people that you meet and notate what they do. Good organizations will give you a list of “who’s who,” but adding notes of your own will help.
As your training progresses on the particular systems and processes of your new company, also keep your own notes and record your thoughts on things that are good and bad for future reference. It is also a good time to begin to make notes on suggested improvements.
ACTIVE LEARNING – 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. A warning in the early days: try not to pass judgements with your opinions until you fully understand their processes.
PASSIVE LEARNING – In your first days on nobody will expect you to change the world, so take advantage of that freedom from pressure and learn everything you can by listening.
Listen to everyone from the top person to the people that clean the building. Everyone will help you learn the culture of the organization. Don’t be surprised if a gap exists between what the managers and owners believe is happening and what you see is really happening.
BE AWARE OF POSTURING – Virtually all existing associates are very good to new people. It is worth remembering that new associates can represent threats to the existing hierarchy in an organization. That hierarchy is important for some people and groups within an organization so awareness of standing is key.
DON’T GET HUNG UP ON TITLES, ESPECIALLY YOUR OWN – 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 are you are, and a personal approach will help to forge new working relationships.
My recommendation is that, in your first few days, try to operate “under the radar.” Put everyone at ease and encourage them to speak more freely and it will help build your reputation as approachable.
VOLUNTEER – 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.
GET INVOLVED – If your new organization has any after-hours events, ensure that you make every effort to attend and actively participate. These type 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 supervisor or manager, and depending on your training, try to help as soon as possible. It is important for your co-workers to know that you are ready, willing, and able – as much as possible – to assist them.
ESTABLISH YOUR REPUTATION AS A HARD WORKER EARLY – 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.
AVOID BEING DRAWN INTO THE “COMPLAINERS CLUB” – Every workplace has one of these clubs. It may be difficult to see these people in the first few days, but try to avoid anyone who seems to spend more time complaining about their job than actually doing it.
KNOW THAT YOU ARE BEING MEASURED and TESTED – This should not be a surprise to you or anyone else; however, your new employers do not know you or trust you at the beginning. Some people, especially veteran associates, seem to forget this and then wonder why their career has stopped progressing. You should strive to develop your reputation as a person who works as hard when the boss is in the room as they do when the boss is on vacation.
REMEMBER THAT YOU ARE GOING TO MAKE MISTAKES – Perhaps the most important thing for anyone to know in a new job is you are going to make mistakes … they expect you to. Your new organization knows that it is going to happen. 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. 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.
When starting a new job, just 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.