You’ve heard the saying, “you never get a second chance to make a first impression.” To thrive in a new role or at a new company, you’ve got to get the first 90 days right and I have your blueprint for success!
Aside from the expected range of emotions in your first 90 days, from excitement and gratitude to anxiety and apprehension, you have a tremendous opportunity to lay the foundation for your future success. As a new employee, following this recipe can help you make the most of your onboarding experience and start your journey to higher levels of performance and impact!
- Commit to being ALL IN
Put those dollar signs aside. Money matters, but it is not the only thing that motivates us. Reflect on the core reasons of why you really took the job. Research has shown that most people take a job to be a part of something bigger than themselves (greater purpose) and to have a bigger impact. If this is true for you, you need to be ALL IN.
What does ALL IN mean? Total commitment. Period. If this were a game of poker, all of your poker chips would be on the table because you truly believed you were going to be successful in your new position. Want to stay ALL IN? Share your goals and commitments with others. Having a support and accountability system works! - Be present
Being physically present is not enough. There are no attendance trophies here, folks. You’ve got to be 100% engaged – physically, mentally, and emotionally. You will have a wealth of new information and experiences flowing your way (some that you can proactively seek), so the question is – will you be ready? Keys to acquiring and maintaining readiness include setting realistic expectations (connecting and learning in the first 90 days are critical!), exercising, eating well, and getting good rest.
In a relatively short time, all of the seemingly disparate bits of information will begin to come together; make sure to recognize those moments, so it can fuel you forward to even greater (and faster) learning and impact. - Challenge yourself, be vulnerable
Vulnerability leads to strength and wisdom. Remember that you were invited into this new role for a reason – you are enough, and you belong. Ask for help. You will make mistakes, so embrace this – it is a great way to learn. Failure could be the new success! Yes, I said failure and success in the same sentence. Some of the most successful leaders contribute their success to failing fast and learning fast. Celebrate your failures and learn from them – this will only make you better.
Reach out to colleagues from a social perspective – you will be spending more hours per week with your work associates than your families in some cases, so you should aspire make it a friendly, enjoyable relationship. - Allow time to reflect
Don't let information overload get the best of you. Of course there will be a lot of meetings, interfaces, social events, and shared information. Make sure you schedule time to allow yourself to reflect on what you have learned, and share your interpretations to ensure you are on track.
For me, reflection also means taking time for myself. I commit to physical activity, staying well hydrated, eating healthy, and making sure I have meaningful time with my family and friends. This keeps me grounded and allows me to be all in at work and at home. - Provide feedback
For your own onboarding experience, think about what really resonated with you the most. Share what worked well and what could have been better. Your feedback is important and can make the onboarding experience even better for the next addition to the team. As you become more seasoned, be engaged with new hires in making them feel welcome and share helpful tips that worked for you.
Good luck in your new role! I know that when you utilize this blueprint to work for you, you’ll be on your way to more effective learning, performance, and impact!
