How to make an impact in a new workplace
When you step into your role as a leader in a new job, you may be overwhelmed with the introductory processes, procedures and policies of the company. But, this is the best time to demonstrate your long-term value to the business.
Starting a new job can seem daunting, but the first 100 days can be crucial for helping you establish long-term connections with your colleagues, clients and customers. It is important to use this time to help you gain a strong foothold in the business, and show your commitment to your new employer. So, what can you do to maximise your potential?
Here are Glandore’s five tips that will help you impress both your team and superiors.
1. Tell your story and don’t be afraid to show vulnerability
Before you can make connections, your new colleagues are going to want to know who you are, where you come from and what you can bring to the table.
The best way to do this is to take the time to get to know your colleagues and share with them your personal values. Help them understand how your beliefs align with the company’s ethos and how this will lead to better ways of doing things. The more you show vulnerability, the more likely your colleagues are to trust your judgement and will be less likely to shy away from engaging with you.
Most importantly, show your humble side. According to a study published in the Academy of Management Journal, it was found that leaders who were considered to be “humble” were more respected and liked by their peers.
2. Build connections and find your perfect partner
Now that your colleagues know who you are, it’s time to start building that all important team.
Connections don’t just happen through LinkedIn; they happen in your lunch room, in your weekly meetings, and your networking events. As a new leader in the company, it is useful to make sure that you are attending any company events, and scheduling time to meet with your team face-to-face.
3. Listen, learn…but more importantly lead!
Challenging yourself shows others that you are open-minded and are willing to listen to conflicting opinions. As a manager, although you want to entertain other ideas, you cannot stay impartial. It can be important to display your assertive side in the decision-making process.
According to Glenn Llopis in Forbes Magazine, a successful leader should focus on “making things happen” and should be able to make “30 decisions in 30 minutes”. So, in the beginning, make small but meaningful moves which will demonstrate to your colleagues that you’re here to shape the future of the business
4. Set your objectives and how you plan on reaching these milestones
When you’re setting out what goals you’d like to achieve in your role, think of the purposeful outcomes. Ask yourself “how will the company be different after my first 100 days?” Have defined outcomes of what you want to achieve and know what they will look like. Design them and then deliver them.
This is an important step to complete very early on, possibly even within your first week. Attend meetings you wouldn’t normally, learn about what needs to be fixed and understand where you fit into all of this.
Sit down with your employers and agree on some aims and objectives and what exactly is expected of you. You are the one who got the job, so it’s time to show them why.
5. Get fixing!
It’s very rare that you’re not dropped into the middle of a crisis when starting a new job, typically something is always wrong!
If that is the case, then use this as an opportunity to get stuck in and fix what’s broken. Go deep into understanding the problems which lie at the root of the business and document what procedures are in place to deal with them.
If something doesn’t work, document it and send it to your superior. Show that you are actively trying to do something about the issue and create a long-term solution that ensures the problem does not happen again.