The First 90 Days | Making An Impact

Planning the first 90 days of your new job is crucial to set a strong foundation for your success and make a positive impression on your colleagues and supervisors. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you plan your first 90 days effectively:

1.Learn and Observe (Days 1-14)

• Understand the Company Culture: Pay attention to how things are done, the company values, and the overall work environment. Adapt to the company culture while maintaining your authenticity.
• Listen and Observe: Spend time actively listening to your colleagues and superiors. Observe how they communicate, collaborate, and solve problems.

2. Set Clear Goals (Days 15-30)

• Discuss Expectations: Schedule a meeting with your supervisor to clarify expectations for your role and responsibilities.
• Set Personal Objectives: Based on your understanding of the role and expectations, set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals.

3. Build Relationships (Days 31-60)

• Networking: Engage with your coworkers and team members. Get to know them on both a professional and personal level.
• Seek Mentorship: Identify potential mentors within the organization who can offer guidance and support as you navigate your new role.

4. Master Your Responsibilities (Days 61-75)

• Focus on Core Tasks: Concentrate on mastering the essential responsibilities of your role.
• Ask for Feedback: Request feedback from your supervisor and colleagues to understand how you can improve and refine your performance.

5. Take Initiative (Days 76-90)

• Propose Ideas: Contribute innovative ideas or solutions to challenges within your role or the organization.
• Volunteer for Projects: Offer to assist with additional projects or initiatives outside your regular responsibilities to showcase your skills and dedication.

6. Continual Learning (Throughout)

• Professional Development: Attend workshops, webinars, or conferences relevant to your field of work.
• Skill Enhancement: Identify areas for improvement and seek out resources to develop those skills.

7. Maintain Work-Life Balance (Throughout)

• Take Care of Yourself: Ensure you get enough rest, exercise, and engage in activities outside of work to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

8. Document Your Progress (Throughout)

• Keep a Journal: Record your experiences, achievements, and challenges during the first 90 days. This will help you reflect on your growth and performance.

Remember, the first 90 days are a critical period of adaptation and learning. Be patient with yourself and open to feedback. By following this plan, you'll be well on your way to making a positive impact and setting yourself up for long-term success in your new job. Good luck!

About the Author

Dave McAleer is a?US Army?Veteran and spent 20+ years on active duty supporting the conventional and U.S. Special Operations Forces. He currently works at?CareerSource Tampa Bay?as a Career Coach and Transition Mentor at MacDill Air Force Base. He coaches Transitioning Service Members one-on-one, and teaches monthly Job Interviewing, Resume Writing, and Job Seeker Pathway classes to job seekers.

Dave serves on the?AUSA Suncoast Chapter?Board and is a volunteer instructor at?Project Transition USA, providing job seeker best practices and LinkedIn networking mentorship at their monthly workshops in Tampa Bay, Florida.

Dave is also the CoFounder of?JobHaus LLC, a recruiting and staffing company headquartered in Tampa, Florida.