JUMP START YOUR FIRST 90 DAYS The first three months are critical in any workplace. Getting to know your coworkers, learning how everything’s done in the company, and establishing rapport with your bosses must all happen during that time. If it doesn’t, there’s a high chance you won’t make it through the probation period (if there is one). Even if you do, you’ll have created an image of someone who shouldn’t really be trusted with important matters. You don’t want that, do you? You want to be someone who’s an integral part of the workplace, someone who’s important and dependable. So how do you do that?
Transcript
JUMP START YOUR FIRST 90 DAYS
The first three months are critical in any workplace. Getting to know your coworkers, learning how everything’s done in the company, and establishing rapport with your bosses must all happen during that time.
If it doesn’t, there’s a high chance you won’t make it through the probation period (if there is one). Even if you do, you’ll have created an image of someone who shouldn’t really be trusted with important matters.
You don’t want that, do you? You want to be someone who’s an integral part of the workplace, someone who’s important and dependable.
MAKE THINGS HAPPENEverywhere you look, you get the same advice – “stand out from the crowd”. But doesn’t everyone have the same intention? The only true way to stand out is making things happen.
People who watch things happen aren’t risk takers. They don’t push the boundaries and prefer to play it safe instead.
They are real go-getters.
They aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty.
They have a sense of urgency running through them.
They don’t wait for opportunities – they create them.
They are resilient and consistent.
They see problems as challenges they can overcome.
They have laser-like focus.
SO WHAT ARE THE CHARACTERISTICS OF PEOPLE WHO MAKE THINGS HAPPEN?
There are people who make things happen, there are people who
watch things happen and there are people who
wonder what happened. To be successful, we have
to be people who make things happen.
– Jim Lovell
THERE IS NO MAP
While it is human nature to want to know the secrets flowing around the office, you should learn to walk away from situations where others are gossiping.
They might seem like a well-meaning bunch, they will get in your way eventually. So it’s very important to separate gossip from friendly work banter – they’re worlds apart, but not knowing the difference can result in some very negative outcomes.
If you need a map for your work, it can easily become boring. It’s always better to do your own thing – something outside of the box will always attract the attention of people who truly matter. As long as it works. Sure, there are always some rules and guidelines associated with any position – trying to break these in the first 90 days can create a negative opinion about you.
Unless, of course, you can present a solution which improves life for everyone. And there really is no map for achieving that.
However, you’re in a unique position during the first 90 days – you can question the methods and processes that might have been used for years. Use that to present yourself in the best way possible.
AVOID THE WATER COOLER
Keep in mind the following, especially in the first 90 days:
Gossipers in the workplace are viewed as untrustworthy and are less likely to receive promotions or key assignments.
Important lines of communication between employees and supervisors are often disrupted because of a lack of trust created by gossip.
Instead, befriend a veteran who has a good handle on what works and what doesn’t. This will help you familiarize yourself with unwritten rules and establish a sense of belonging.
When you’re still learning all the ropes, it can be really easy to get lost in the world of activities and forget what really matters – the results you manage to achieve.
Of course, there’s plenty to learn in any new workplace. No one really expects you to present something meaningful in the first month or, depending on the employer, even the first year – you’re still learning after all. However, if you’re really looking to shine at your new job, having something to show your bosses in addition to the hours you clocked is extremely important.
You should establish yourself as someone who’s great at managing their time. You’ll usually have 8 hours at the office every day, so using them to do valuable things instead of imitating work will enable you to stand out and show that you’re serious about the position.
IF YOU WERE TO LEAVE, WHAT WOULDYOU LEAVE BEHIND
FOCUS ON OUTCOMES, NOT ACTIVITIES
This is the question you should always have in mind, even though you’ve just started your career at the company.
Will you be the typical employee who does what they’re supposed to do but can hardly wait for the weekend to come?
Will you be someone who’s made a real impact at the company? Will you be missed if you decide to move on?
It’s all up to you, and the first 90 days are much more important than you might think.
First impressions can last very, very long – if you manage to establish yourself as someone who can make things happen during the first three months, you will be remembered as this type of person even after you leave the company.
You won’t be remembered for the problems you find, no matter how critical they might be. In the end, the solutions you present are much more important.
Go there, make things happen, and help the company grow. That’s the only way you can truly shine in your first 90 days.
