It’s essential to be strategic and mindful about how you present yourself when joining a new organization, as first impressions usually last. With over 20 years of experience working for Fortune 500 organizations in HR, I have found this to be true time and time again. The methods I will share with you in this article are beneficial for anyone in a job where they have to accomplish tangible goals. Personally, these strategies have helped me achieve success on multiple occasions, so hopefully, you find them useful as well.
Construct Long-Lasting Connections
Get to know the people who matter in the company. Within your first month, introduce yourself and set up meetings with these key players. You should also ask around and get to know some of the Executive Assistants. They might be able to help you access important calendars that can help with your day-to-day business dealings. During your first meetings with someone, look for things you both have in common and/or other ways to connect with the person. People can tell when you’re not being genuine, so just be yourself.
Don’t Be Arrogant: Have Confidence While Staying Humble.
When joining a new organization, it’s best to have your mind set on how you can “showcase your strengths.” This is an excellent mindset to have when starting something new. It is essential to have the right mindset when making changes within an organization, but you must also be aware of and honor the legacy experience, strengths, and culture that already exist. I’ve seen plenty of newbies get “shut out” of important info-sharing conversations because they’re keener on talking and showing off than listening and learning. If you can find the sweet spot early, people will be more receptive to your thoughts and ideas.
Patience and Professionalism.
It takes time to spread new ideas throughout an organization, so learning how to express natural frustration and impatience in a way that won’t hinder your progress is key. A great way to diffuse work stress is to talk openly about it with friends or family – this will make it seem like you have everything under control at work.
Deliver Your Responsibilities and Promises.
No matter who you are, people always respond better to tangible results. So work hard, build genuine relationships, and deliver positive outcomes so that your name is the last one on any layoff list should it come down to that.
Taking Control of Your Professional Life.
Lastly, it is crucial to consider your next steps. I have found that Career Management/Progression consists of 75% responsibility from the individual and 25% from the organization. No one knows your career better than you do, so it’s important to be involved in its management. By enlisting your manager’s help, you can ensure that you’re getting the right level of exposure. Stay attuned to how your “personal brand” is perceived in the organization, and be open to new opportunities as they arise. Wishing you all the best!
