Starting a new job can be daunting. For anyone experiencing any moments of self doubt, take a moment to remind yourself that your new organisation chose you!  

Your success will depend entirely on the effort you put into orientating yourself and getting to know your new colleagues, your new team and your manager. 

4 tips for success in those first 90 days

There are a few key things you can do to give yourself the best possible start.

Managing your onboarding will help you quickly build your credibility as someone who is invested in their new role.   

1. Ask questions, listen and observe

Asking questions will allow you to gain a better understanding of your role and how you can personally contribute to the success of the organisation, as well as demonstrate to your manager and your peers that you’re motivated and committed to make a positive impact.   

Listening and observing will help you understand the organisational culture, teach you how things get done, who the key players are and who are the people with the greatest influence. 

2. Get to know the team

Get to know the team around you and find out from your manager who your key stakeholders are – what they do, how your work relates to each other and their preferred communication style. 

You may need to set up regular meetings with them. Aim to introduce yourself and speak to as many of these people as you can. These early meetings will help your research but even more importantly help you to build your relationships and networks across the organisation.   

3. Time with your leader

Make sure you schedule time in with your new leader early on to get clarity on their expectations of you, what you should be focusing on and what success looks like for them.  This will make sure you’re aligned and avoid any nasty surprises.

4. Use a 90 day plan

Take the time to plan a considered approach to your onboarding in your first 90 days.  The early days in a new position are critical because small differences in your actions can have a huge impact on long-term results.