RAINMAKERS
Settling In The First 100
Days
By Dr. Clifford Ferguson
T
he first few months in a new
position can be very crucial. In your
early weeks, you should have three
main aims: to build good relationships,
especially with your boss; to establish your
persona and image with the people who
matter; and to perform well.
They are all important. Some people make
the mistake of focusing solely on the work,
thinking they will be judged by results. If
fact, the way you fit in with people and the
way of doing things is just as important, if
not more so.
as the old one and may be very different
from what you expected, especially if you
are moving from a large organization to
a small entrepreneurial company or from
public sector to private. or use your networking skills to cultivate
useful contacts both inside and outside
the organization. Other people who
have recently joined may provide useful
insights.
You have to learn how to deal with the
new situation and may well make a few
mistakes. You may go through a change
curve rather like the one in 'Facing up to
job loss'. Anticipating this and using these
guidelines will help you to settle in more
easily. Learn the culture and the
way of doing things
It might not be easy Get to know the way things
work
The first few weeks in a new job can be quite
traumatic. Your new organization won't
have the same standards and methods Try to find a mentor or sponsor who can
give you some of the 'softer' information,
Your team will be seeking reassurance that
you will not 'rock the boat' too much and
yet have something to offer. Be outward
looking and show an interest in what peo-
ple do. Be seen as someone who looks be-
yond your own work. Avoid talking about
your old job: colleagues will soon tire of
constant comparisons or hearing how
good or bad people were at the old place!
84 MAL28/19 ISSUE
During the first crucial days, learn by
asking questions and observing how the
system works. Get a feel for the ways in
which the culture is going to support your
own vision by absorbing all you can about:
Corporate Strategy: Understand their
mission and corporate strategy; Corporate
Culture: Establish which values and
attitudes are emphasized so you can adapt
your working method; Organizational
Goals: Find out about goals or statements
of intent on areas such as client service,
product quality, market positioning;
Products and Services: Whatever your
role, you need to know the range and
market position of products or services
which will affect your organization's
performance;
The Hierarchy: Establish, both formally
and informally: Who sets the pace? How
decisions are made and who makes them?
How problems are solved? What the
real power structure is; Communication