8 Guidelines for Succeeding in new Job
Most people – especially those who have been unemployed for a while – devote almost all of their time and resources to getting a job, but are not nearly as prepared to succeed once they get it.
Many new hires do not have a clear understanding of the most important objectives they must achieve. They also do not realize they may have a short timeframe to fulfill these goals. If they don’t impress quickly, there are plenty of other people waiting for a chance to show what they can do.
ClearRock offers the following guidelines for ensuring that new hires succeed:
- Quickly and clearly discover what the “critical few objectives” are. These are the one, two, or three most important reasons why people are hired – such as increasing sales, cutting costs, improving earnings, and productivity. New hires need to demonstrate progress in them as quickly as possible. Whether they are considered a success or failure will be judged by how well they achieve these goals. Accomplishing these will count more than any other contributions they make.
- Determine the deadline for achieving these goals. New hires should establish the timetable they have in which to deliver. There is more pressure today on new hires to attain results quicker. Employers want to immediately start to see confirmation they made the right decision. In a healthy economy, employers may give new hires about six months in which to perform, but that window can be shortened by half, depending on the industry, position or company.
- Formulate a plan for realizing the most important goals. Break this down into steps with targeted deadlines. Get your supervisor’s approval of the plan and regularly report progress.
- Fit into the organization’s culture. One of the biggest reasons newly hired employees don’t work out is they do not fit into the company’s culture, or the organization’s acceptable behaviors and values. An abrasive or detached employee will not fit well into a company culture that values consensus and harmony. Also, an indecisive or tentative employee will not fit well into a company that values decisiveness.
- Build teamwork with co-workers and colleagues. Many companies are operating with leaner staffs and are trying to do more with less. This requires teamwork and closer working relationships. New hires should foster a sense of partnership with direct reports, co-workers and employees in other departments and functions. Reaching out to workers in other areas of the company can help ensure their success if they are transferred, promoted, or become part of a cross-functional team.
- Learn which communication methods bosses prefer. Discover if the boss wants to keep informed through emails, weekly reports, lots of facts and figures, informal face-to-face meetings, or a combination of these, and communicate in the preferred way.
- Add value as soon as possible. Determine whether you can bring in business from past employers or provide a referral. Do you have any contacts with vendors that may result in discounts? Use special relationships to help grow business and cut costs.
- Volunteer to lead a special project, task force or charity drive. This will take on more meaning if there is little interest from others. Volunteering for tasks like this is a way to showcase your ability to accept responsibility and earn gratitude and recognition from your boss.
