100 days to prove yourself
14 October 2016
Read by 4608 persons
You landed the job of a lifetime. Keep the champagne on ice, because you'll have 100 days to prove yourself. Here are the secrets to a successful integration.
Starting a new job is usually exciting, but it's also like an obstacle course: colleagues often judge us at first glance. We only have a few days to make a good impression on bosses and colleagues, and about a hundred days to integrate into the company and prove ourselves...
Successful Integration
• A new job requires a lot of energy, as you have to adapt to the environment, colleagues and new roles. This is not the time to repaint the house! Also, make sure you eat well and get a good night's sleep to be in good shape at work.
• For the first three months, your clothing should match that of your colleagues. If it's too casual and your colleagues are dressed to the nines, or vice versa, you'll attract negative comments. Remember that first impressions last.
• Avoid making or receiving personal calls during the first few months. Arrive on time. Without putting in extra hours, it's best not to leave the office before everyone else.
• If your colleagues are going to lunch, join them, don't isolate yourself. During the meal, listen and avoid talking too much, remain neutral. Observe the office dynamic: if other people stay to eat there, have lunch with them another day.
• Don't always hang out with the same people and don't identify with a single colleague or group in particular.
• Avoid being too familiar before you know who you're dealing with, as it takes at least three months to really get to know someone. Not everything should be said, and spontaneously sharing what you think, good or bad, about a person can backfire. Be more strategic than authentic.
• Listen to others, react positively when they talk about their achievements. Don't show off too much, you could be seen as a threat if you talk too much about your successes or awards you've won.
• Don't hesitate to ask questions; this will show your desire to take charge of your integration. However, avoid asking the same questions repeatedly and take notes if necessary.
• Adapt to your new boss's style. What is their profile? Do they delegate, do they readily acknowledge the work of others? Are they relaxed and open to your ideas or authoritarian? If they jealously guard their territory, you will need to be diplomatic. To reassure them, give them some of the credit for your successes. Agree with them by highlighting their good ideas. Address their shortcomings with tact and discretion, so as not to threaten their status.
• Still, make sure to highlight your work to your boss. It's all about balance. Keep them informed of your progress, your specific achievements and your problem-solving skills. Your boss isn't a mind reader; this way, they will know your strengths and your style.
• Because you're coming from the outside, you have a certain perspective. You might quickly see a solution that would save time and simplify the work. But first test the waters with your boss or colleagues to see if this idea is likely to be well received.
• Every company has its own customs. For example, some companies place a lot of value on employees' birthdays, while others solicit suggestions from staff. You can contribute your ideas if you have any, but don't oppose what was already in place before your arrival.
Carriere.jobboom.com
Starting a new job is usually exciting, but it's also like an obstacle course: colleagues often judge us at first glance. We only have a few days to make a good impression on bosses and colleagues, and about a hundred days to integrate into the company and prove ourselves...
Successful Integration
• A new job requires a lot of energy, as you have to adapt to the environment, colleagues and new roles. This is not the time to repaint the house! Also, make sure you eat well and get a good night's sleep to be in good shape at work.
• For the first three months, your clothing should match that of your colleagues. If it's too casual and your colleagues are dressed to the nines, or vice versa, you'll attract negative comments. Remember that first impressions last.
• Avoid making or receiving personal calls during the first few months. Arrive on time. Without putting in extra hours, it's best not to leave the office before everyone else.
• If your colleagues are going to lunch, join them, don't isolate yourself. During the meal, listen and avoid talking too much, remain neutral. Observe the office dynamic: if other people stay to eat there, have lunch with them another day.
• Don't always hang out with the same people and don't identify with a single colleague or group in particular.
• Avoid being too familiar before you know who you're dealing with, as it takes at least three months to really get to know someone. Not everything should be said, and spontaneously sharing what you think, good or bad, about a person can backfire. Be more strategic than authentic.
• Listen to others, react positively when they talk about their achievements. Don't show off too much, you could be seen as a threat if you talk too much about your successes or awards you've won.
• Don't hesitate to ask questions; this will show your desire to take charge of your integration. However, avoid asking the same questions repeatedly and take notes if necessary.
• Adapt to your new boss's style. What is their profile? Do they delegate, do they readily acknowledge the work of others? Are they relaxed and open to your ideas or authoritarian? If they jealously guard their territory, you will need to be diplomatic. To reassure them, give them some of the credit for your successes. Agree with them by highlighting their good ideas. Address their shortcomings with tact and discretion, so as not to threaten their status.
• Still, make sure to highlight your work to your boss. It's all about balance. Keep them informed of your progress, your specific achievements and your problem-solving skills. Your boss isn't a mind reader; this way, they will know your strengths and your style.
• Because you're coming from the outside, you have a certain perspective. You might quickly see a solution that would save time and simplify the work. But first test the waters with your boss or colleagues to see if this idea is likely to be well received.
• Every company has its own customs. For example, some companies place a lot of value on employees' birthdays, while others solicit suggestions from staff. You can contribute your ideas if you have any, but don't oppose what was already in place before your arrival.
Carriere.jobboom.com
