The first days on a high-level job may be among the most stressful. Expectations are high; you face a looming learning curve and a new company culture. You need to demonstrate your value and performance at the same time you're trying to absorb the quirks of a new environment, procedures and colleagues. Navigating this period is essential to setting the right tone and cementing employment for years to come.
If you can manage it, secure some ramp-up time to wrap up any prior obligations, inform contacts about your new job and supplement the information you learned about your new company. Try to fill out human-resources paperwork ahead of time, get your hands on an organizational chart and maybe even have an informal meeting with key team members. A head start on the first day is a great stress reliever.
Keep in mind the old adage that first impressions last forever; let's examine some tips and guidelines for personal branding in order to start strong in a new position. Having a positive attitude and an open mind are imperative.
Attitude
In the first days on the job, try to listen more than you talk. You'll demonstrate that you respect the expertise of colleagues and observe how the company and its culture work. Keeping a smile on your face is a guaranteed ice-breaker.
Listen to current office issues and standing norms, but don't feel required to contribute just yet. Avoid complaints about your previous position, colleagues or managers.
Punctuality and Hours
Strive to arrive early, and don't be the first one out of the door at the end of the day. Any attendance or punctuality issues will make a lasting impression that will stick for a time, even with good attendance. Find out what time most of your co-workers go to lunch and what the protocol is. For example, do most people eat at their desks, go out for lunch or gather in a cafeteria?
Networking
Speaking of lunch, make sure to spend this time with current peers and colleagues and not friends from previous positions. There will be plenty of time to reconnect with old friends, but the early days of a new job are about establishing a rapport with the new company. Get to know your coworkers, their likes and dislikes, and what their interests are.
Beyond starting new relationships, you'll need to get a feel for your peers' work styles. Be sensitive to hostile attitudes or turf wars; some people will be wary of outside hires or feel that they were passed over for a promotion. Don't feed into them; instead, try to ask questions to understand those concerns, change the conversation to focus on the team or the company, and take the high road.
On the positive side, identify key players on the team, regardless of their position in the organization. Find those who are reliable and exceptionally skilled. Recognizing excellence early is key to generating solid results and hitting goals from Day One.
Mind the Organizational Workflow
Learn the organization chart and be mindful of how strictly a company follows the established chain of command. Most importantly, find out who has the authority to assign and delegate work. Some colleagues may take advantage of transitional periods to shift responsibility or assign blame.
If you get the chance, volunteer for projects that can help you stand out. However, don't neglect assigned work and standing projects in the process. Be careful not to overextend yourself and burn out early.
Integrating into a new workplace takes some trial and error. There will be some gaffes or faux pas along the way, and no one can make a perfect first impression. Don't let the little things cause too much stress; a dedicated effort from the outset of your new executive job will yield the best results in the end.
Author Resource:
Matthew Rothenberg is editor-in-chief of TheLadders.com, the premier Web site for online executive job listings for $100K+ jobs, resume writing tips, and personal branding advice.Distributed by http://www.ContentCrooner.com
![[Valid RSS feed]](http://www.look4articles.com/images/icon_Rss.png "XML Feed For RSS"){kind=icon}
Category Rss Feed
Print This Article
Add To Favorites
![[Valid RSS feed]](http://www.look4articles.com/images/rss.jpg "XML Feed For RSS")