Welcome to this blog post on how to succeed in the first 90 days of a new job. Here are some helpful tips that can help you start strong and achieve success in your new role. According to professional culture coach Austin Belcak, whether you’re starting a new job or have recently joined a company, this guide can help you make the most of your first few months and set yourself up for long-term success.
First off, as a new employee, you have a unique advantage. You have the power to ask for meetings with almost anyone in the company, including those who may be higher up the corporate ladder than you. This magic power lasts for about 90 days, so it’s essential to capitalize on it if you want to get on the fast track to success.
Next, think about all the people who could potentially influence your upward mobility within the company. This includes your manager, teammates, colleagues on other teams, and even skip-level managers. Aim to create a list of 10 to 20 people and add their names and email addresses to a spreadsheet.
Once you have your list of verified email addresses, send one request per day to these people, asking to meet with them and learn more about their background, what they do, and how you can partner with them in the future. Here’s a template you can use:
“Hi, I just started on your team and would love to find time to learn more about your background and what you do, and how we can partner in the future.”
When you meet with these individuals, ask them the three magic questions:
- What are you and your team working on?
- If there is one thing our team can do to make your life easier, what would it be?
- What is the best piece of advice for someone new here?
Be sure to document their answers and personal notes, such as the names of family members, their interests or hobbies, and their personal goals. This will be your relationship map.
After speaking with your colleagues, review the data and identify any double-dip wins. In other words, look for common themes and ideas that can help both you and your colleagues. What are the most common asks of your team? What are the most common challenges? What was the best piece of advice you received as a new hire? Use this information to brainstorm plans that can benefit everyone involved.
Once you have a plan, take action and report back to the VIPs you spoke with. Pitch your team on something that would help one of your VIPs test a solution, and then take action on their advice. Report back to them on what you did and the results that followed.
This framework is powerful because it helps you identify career difference-makers, uncovers their needs and goals, and gives you a blueprint to help them. These things can lead to strong relationships with people who can fast-track your career.
After this, you can bring it all together by organizing a team building event. Whether it’s a virtual escape room, a happy hour, or a team lunch, taking the initiative to plan a social event can help you get to know your colleagues and build stronger relationships with them. By volunteering to organize a fun and engaging team building activity, you can demonstrate your leadership skills and show your colleagues that you’re committed to creating a positive work environment. This can not only help you build stronger relationships with your colleagues, but it can also help you develop a better understanding of the company culture and how you can contribute to the team’s success.
Virtual Teambuilding Escape Room
In summary, the first 90 days of a new job are critical for success, and you have a unique advantage during this time. By using the steps outlined above, you can make the most of this opportunity and set yourself on the path to success in your new role. Remember to always be proactive, take action, and build strong relationships with your colleagues. Good luck, and I wish you all the best in your new job!