8 Critical Tips For New Employees…

A significant change yesterday in our company has me thinking about this. There are a number of things you need to do as a new member of any organization that are so basic, yet apparently aren’t understood by everyone, even at senior levels. A few thoughts on joining an organization and what to try to achieve in your first 90-120 days:

-Build relationships with key personnel – seek help rather than trying to go it alone
-Get to know your boss – how he/she works, communicates, approaches problems, makes decisions, and so forth
-Study, learn, and embrace the company’s culture and behavioral norms
-Establish credibility… deliver on all promises, no matter how large or small
-Begin to craft and articulate a vision for the future…
…define what you are expected to achieve, and establish buy-in to achieving it
-Maintain your sense of humor and a sense of perspective
-Work as though your life depends upon it… certainly your livelihood does!

And, as I occasionally tell the more recent graduates who work for me, always strive to bring value to the organization – determine what you uniquely can contribute, and deliver that value, those things, with excellence. What does your brand represent to the organization? What makes your brand unique?

Nothing is certain, but if you deliver on these basics, you should be just fine.