You're transitioning to a new job. How can you stay true to yourself while meeting new expectations?

To stay true to yourself while meeting new job expectations, communicate openly about your values and boundaries, seek to understand the company culture, adapt where necessary without compromising your core beliefs, and maintain a balance between fitting in and staying authentic.

Even though we all have an idea of who we are, taking personality and strengths assessments can provide valuable insights. These assessments can be eye-openers. For example, I was surprised to learn that I am more of a "pulling" type than a "pushing" type. They confirmed that I thrive in entrepreneurial environments that empower me. These insights help put things in perspective and allow you to set healthy boundaries at work. Maintaining our mental well-being is crucial, and it's our responsibility to stay balanced and communicate the conditions that help us thrive. It's your job to communicate your true self to create an environment where you can reach your potential and work at your best.

To gain deeper self-awareness, consider journaling. Documenting your life, emotions, and daily highlights can provide valuable insights into your behavior. Tracking your progress over time can also be beneficial. Combining journaling with a personal SWOT analysis can offer a comprehensive understanding of your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Self-awareness is also crucial for building confidence. Often, we become defensive when we hear criticism because we haven't fully accepted certain aspects of ourselves.

Understanding your core values and strengths is crucial in maintaining authenticity during job transitions. Reflect on what makes you unique and non-negotiable in your professional life. - Identify your top three values and integrate them into your daily work. - Use your strengths to navigate new challenges and opportunities. For instance, if creativity is a core value, ensure your new role allows you to innovate. This alignment will keep you motivated and true to yourself. "To thine own self be true." - William Shakespeare ??

Boundaries create freedom. Why? Because decision fatigue is a real thing. When you create rules - boundaries - and you decide the terms of your boundaries without having an initial trigger you are making the rules based on your needs and wants (your vision), not someone else's needs & wants. With this process put in place, when the wrong (not aligned with your vision) task/request/collaboration comes along, you already made the decision prior and you do not need to make the decision, and you avoid the fatigue around it (taking onboard a task/request/collaboration that is not aligned with your vision). Boundaries create freedom for creativity - as it gives you space for only the things you need and want.

Let's have a realistic approach to growth in a new role. While discovering a new role, it's crucial to give yourself time to adapt and avoid setting unrealistic standards for your progress. Open communication is key. Remember, it's okay not to know everything from the start. Instead of overthinking or trying to solve challenges alone, don't hesitate to ask questions and seek guidance. Don't forget that growth often comes from feeling uncomfortable and stepping out of your comfort zone.

Be Kind and Supportive Offer a helping hand: Be ready to assist colleagues when needed, whether it's sharing knowledge, providing support, or lending a listening ear. Practice empathy: Put yourself in others' shoes and understand their perspectives. Positive reinforcement: Positive feedback can go a long way in building strong relationships

Here are the three essential needs that each person has to satisfy: To be seen To be heard To be loved To be loved is about connection and belonging. For those of us in full-time employment, one-third of our lives is spent with our coworkers in one form or another. Building relationships is imperative to our basic needs and our growth. In workplaces where collaboration is not supported through role responsibilities, companies lose revenue because their employees are not high-performing—not through any fault of their own. High performance only happens through psychological safety and fulfilling these three basic needs.

Building relationships is one of the most critical skills you need. I like to call it simply "making friends." When I was stuck between my own work goals and my leaders' expectations, a site leader helped me find balance. If I hadn't proven my value to his organization, would he have invested his energy, effort, and time in me? Friends at work support, encourage, show better ways, teach, and help you recognize your strengths and weaknesses. They are invaluable. Applying the 80/20 rule, I'd say put 80% of your effort into relationship building.

As a strategic advisor, one could say I’m quite often the “new kid.” With that, remains the constant need to listen, ask questions and reflect. When you are starting a new position, it’s vital to be patient with yourself while learning about the company, leadership and the culture. For me, I like to take time every day to go on “my download walks.” It’s time set aside after work to think and reflect. That way, I am able to unplug and use this time to recharge and reboot. As important as it is to set the world on fire as a newbie, it’s even more important to set a realistic pace (that’s attainable) that keeps you moving forward, and preventing burnout. Pay attention to little ways to fill your oxygen tank and you’ll have more to offer.

Your mind and body signal when it's time for something. We just need to listen, but many of us don't take the time to reflect on our feelings or thoughts. You know when something feels right or wrong. Trust yourself. Have the courage to act. It's scary, but growth doesn't thrive in fear. Let this guide your career.