Q: Dr. Ima, What do I need to do to get off to a great start at my new job?
A: Great question, and also, congratulations! You are starting a new job, now what. Consider asking yourself, your supervisor, and your co-workers some of the following questions.
Ask Yourself
- How can I build effective relationships (or change current ones) to support my new role?
- How can I best assume the new job and its leadership potential?
- What needs to be done to maintain momentum for the organization?
- How can I reduce uncertainty among the people in the organization regarding me?
- How can I get an overview of first impressions that can later be validated?
- What do I hope to accomplish in the first 90 days? 120 days? Year?
Ask your Supervisor
- What is currently happening in the organization that I need to know?
- What pending promises, commitments, exposures or key decisions effect me?
- Which key people should I meet first?
- What are the “scared cows” in the organization? [Remember Sacred Cows make the best hamburger!]
- What procedural, informational, and meeting requirements apply to me?
- Describe your most effective working relationship and how can I align with that?
- Describe your transition timetable – working out details together?
Ask your Co-workers
- What are your current activities?
- What is your professional background?
- What would you like me to know about you?
- What do you see as the strengths and weaknesses of the unit?
- What are your ideas about things that we should stop doing? Things that we should start doing?
- Are there any promises or commitments that have been made to you that I should know about?
- What do you want to know about me?
- Is there something specific that you hope that I do or something that I should address?
Answers to these questions will get you off to a great start!
