How to start a new job
Starting a new job is exciting, but it can also be nerve-wracking. Here are 8 tips you should know before starting a new job to help make the transition as smooth as possible:
Align with your manager
Set up regular 1:1s. Take notes. Consistently check in with your manager to make sure you are meeting their expectations.
Connect with your manager’s key people
Your manager has key folks that are important to her and for your success at the organization. You need to meet with those folks. Learn about what’s important to them and see where you fit in. You should set up 1:1s with them, but not as frequently as with your manager.
Set up a link index of important internal sites
When you first start you will be bombarded with training materials, links to sites, decks, etc. Start adding them to a spreadsheet and categorizing them so you can easily review this content.
Set up meetings with your cross-functional teammates
Most likely you’ll work cross-functionally with various folks. You need to get to know them and understand what’s important to them.
Meet with org historians
Each company has old-timers that understand how prior decisions were made. You should meet with these folks for the DL because you might see decisions that were made that make you scratch your head, but an org historian can help you to understand the political motivations for making that decision, so you don’t run into a landmine, which brings me to my next point.
Don’t try to change everything immediately
A lot of big company folks go to small companies and try to immediately replicate big company solves for problems and they do so because they think they have a mandate to. DON’T. First, see how the company operates, second use their current processes end to end. Study what could be better. See what minor changes you can make that will lead to big results. Gain credibility in the org and when the company is ready, then you can push for bigger changes
Culture > Logic
Learn how your company’s culture operates. Good idea to speak to an org historian. If you try to push for changes that go against the company’s culture, you will get eaten alive. Make sure when you are starting a new project you receive feedback, early, &. often with your manager and make sure you two are aligned. Then proceed with tackling the low-hanging fruit priorities.
Build a solid reputation and guard it with your life
This should be #1. Without a solid reputation, your effectiveness in the org will be greatly diminished. A solid reputation is built by: 1. Doing what you say you will do. 2. Shipping great work. 3. Being available for your teammates. 4. Acting cool and collected during a crisis. 5. Minimize complaints and try to provide solutions. Once you build your reputation, things become easier for you in the org.
We hope these tips will make your transition smoother and give you some peace of mind as you embark on this next chapter in life.
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