The First 90 Days

You got the job CONGRATULATIONS…now what?

The first 90 days on your new job will be the MOST important period of ANY new job, for ANYONE – regardless of age, experience – PERIOD!

Let me be very clear…it is so important it is worth repeating.

Your first 90 to 100 days is the MOST important period of ANY new job for ANYONE – PERIOD!!!

Why?  Because it sets the tone, and builds the image for which others will see you. 

Think of this…the way a book cover influences and peaks your interest early, sets your expectations, and begins to build your view of the book – so does your first 90 to 100 days at your new job.

In fact, it is a two way street…

Just as important as getting off to a good start during the first 90 days will help (or hurt) your longevity on the job. 

A few bad experiences (boss is mean, role not as expected, bad work environment etc.) early on will turn you off towards the company, hurt your productivity and will have you looking for a new job fast. 

Why do you think the first 100 days of a new President is such a big deal?

Transitioning to a new job is never easy; the first 90 days can be overwhelming to learn your role, create new relationships, assimilating into the culture and impressing your new boss all at once – and for those of us over 50, these challenges are even greater.

Age brings added pressures.  The need to support a family, pay a mortgage, daily bills, less opportunities etc. – all create higher levels of stress and more anxieties.  These critical weeks set the foundation for your tenure…and having a game plan, and knowing expectations, will lower stress levels and blood pressure. 

The first 90 days is a MAJOR factor to early success in a new role is to secure early wins.

Eight Important Things To Pay Attention To In Your First 90 Days:

1.)  Understanding why you were hired

You were hired for a reason.  Was it to generate new ideas?  To elevate the role to a higher level?  To train others, and develop a better more effective staff?  Learning where you fit within the overall business strategy is often overlooked and its value often under estimated – understand this early.

2.)  Keep busy doing company work

Doing things at work that are better done at home makes you vulnerable.  Doing things like taking too many personal calls, sneaking in a few personal texts and surfing the web for personal stuff – will most always lead you out the door for not being productive.  

Instead, let your work ethic speak for you…take the lead, do not be afraid to shine and go above and beyond all expectations (over deliver)!

3.)  Learn the office lingo and environment/culture

Cracking the code of company culture often comes down to simply learning how people communicate with one another.  Who are the office “complainers” and “gossipers” that you will want to stay away from, and who are the “influencers” that you want to impress and get to know? 

A big part of integrating into your new work environment is showing that you are a good cultural fit.

4.)  Always say yes to lunch

Eating alone early on separates you from your colleagues and you are missing a huge opportunity on to develop work allies and key relationships. 

You do not want to be left out, and lunch, coffee breaks, and company functions are a great opportunity to build trust with your colleagues and bond as a team.

5.)  Establish expectations with your boss early

Early on during the first 90 days schedule a one-on-one with your boss.  These meetings are a critical component of a success in the first 90 to 100 days. Your boss needs to know your concerns and you need to know his, hallway conversations are not enough.

   -->  Set a regular structured meeting where you control the agenda…learn:

• What does he/she absolutely need you to do within the first 30, 60, 90 days?
• What would he/she like you to accomplish beyond that during the first 90 days?
• Know the prioritization of the tasks important to your boss; and confirm these priorities often so that you are always working on the right thing and on the same page.
• Does your boss expect you to keep him/her informed on deepest of details frequently, or just give the headlines and advise them of the issues that they need to concerned and worry about?

 6.)  Attendance is critical

During the first 90 days, it is extra special to arrive early to work, say “good morning” with a smile to those that you pass and stay a little later.  I’m not suggesting you arrive hours in advance, just a little early, and don’t be the first out of the office at the end of the day – your boss will notice, and will be grateful that you’re not a clock watcher. 

In addition, be the first in attendance at meetings!

7.)  Find a trusted mentor

The first 90 days can be hard, but be on the lookout for those colleagues who seem to just get things done and know the ways and are those that others look-up to when things need to be done.

These are great early mentors...they will help you understand the ways, methods and procedures of the office.

8.)  Introduce yourself and nurture relationships

From the person who manages IT, to the human resources person, to the person who processes your payroll − they are all-important and can help you integrate into your new environment quickly. 

Take the first step and introduce yourself to people you have not met in the organization…and try to remember people’s names, it is a great skill and makes people feel good.

To Summarize The First 90 Days On Your New Job:

The first 90 days in a new work environment can make or break you. As with any new position, no matter what level, these first days are extremely crucial.  Three months is the standard period – and it is generally about the time that you have to find your feet and start contributing some real solid results. 

It is all about fitting into the company culture and creating a valued role on your new team…remember:

Do more listening than speaking…

People will respect you more if you listen to their ideas and concerns.  No one appreciates the new person who gives the impression of knowing everything and having all the answers.  Be humble.

Ask questions…

Whether it is for feedback or assistance, take the initiative to better yourself by asking management, co-workers and/or subordinates any questions you may have.

Do not rock the boat…

Unless you were brought in specifically to shake things up and make radical changes quickly, it is important to make changes slowly and methodically. Make sure you understand why systems or procedures are set up a certain way before attempting to change them.

Do not be a complainer…

Nobody likes someone who complains all the time, they are seen as being unhappy, and will spoil the office atmosphere.  Most experts will agree that even excellent performers are asked to leave when they get too difficult to work with.

Arrive early to work and meetings…

Especially in the first 90 days your boss will notice, and will be grateful that you are not a clock-watcher. 

It is never easy to start a new job...
Leaving a strong first impression is even HARDER

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