You are about to start your first big assignment at your new job and there is a lot riding on your performance. This is your first chance to show your boss, your co-workers, and your hiring manager that you are a valuable addition to the team. That means the pressure is high at the same time you need to perform at your best. Rely on these simple success strategies and hit the ground running.
Understand Your Role
You have been hired to fill a specific gap in the workforce. Make sure you know what that gap was and how it affects the project you are working on. The better you understand your role on the team, the more you can focus your efforts and concentrate on the goals/metrics/benchmarks that matter most to your employer.
Be Flexible
You should focus on your core duties but also be willing to help out, take on new assignments, and generally contribute in any way you can. This demonstrates that you are a team player capable of making a broad contribution to the new assignment. It also helps you connect with your co-workers.
Communicate Clearly
Since you are new, there will inevitably be things you don’t know or understand. Instead of hiding your confusion, put it out in the open and get your questions answered as quickly as possible. This helps you avoid mistakes and make a meaningful contribution. Your boss will also appreciate your commitment to doing things the right way.
Reflect the Culture
You are probably joining a team that already has its own unique culture in place. That can leave you feeling like an outsider at first. Make the effort to learn that culture, and reflect it in your own behavior. As a result, you will avoid friction in the workplace, connect with your teammates faster, and feel more comfortable when you sit down to work.
Set Personal Goals
Your boss has goals for you, but you should set some for yourself, and they don’t all have to do with the assignment. Decide to have lunch with a different co-worker every day, or not miss a single day of work for six months. These kinds of commitments keep you focused on your broader personal and professional goals even when you are wrapped up in the stress of a new assignment.
If your performance is stellar on this first assignment, it could pay dividends later on, but don’t worry if you stumble and hesitate along the way. Your first few months on the job won’t make or break your career. To find other resources designed to help you maximize your professional success, contact Selectek.
