The First Month - A Survival Guide

I'm just going to say it, I absolutely hate being "the new person". I find it completely overwhelming, and a guaranteed trigger for those of us who annoyingly suffer from impostor syndrome . I've been through more than half of the top 10 most stressful life events and still think starting a new job is in my top 5.

Now into Week 6 of my new role, I'm incredibly fortunate to be working in a business experiencing stratospheric growth, so I was only "the new person" for about a week. It also helps that I've been very warmly welcomed by so many people. Starting a new job can be both exhilarating and daunting. You’re stepping into an established environment filled with existing relationships, workflows, and cultures. While it’s natural to feel a mix of excitement and anxiety, I thought I'd share some strategies you can employ to navigate this transition smoothly.

Embrace the Learning Curve (and the Confusion)

Let’s face it: the first few weeks will be a blur of acronyms and office jargon that sound like a secret language. One of the most important aspects of being new is acknowledging (to yourself and others) that you won’t know everything right away. Embrace this learning curve by:

• Asking Questions: Be curious. Don’t hesitate to ask and seek clarification e.g., if you're new to the retail industry, what the heck does “CAC” mean? Questions show your engagement and eagerness to learn and understand the organisation’s people, processes, and ways of working. The Urban Dictionary comes in handy if you're bridging a generation gap and need to understand that a response of "TLDR" means you need to rephrase what you've said to someone who is time poor (or lazy).
• Observe: Channel your inner spy. Keep a notebook handy and jot down everything you don’t understand, to ask about or research later. Take time to observe how things operate, from communication styles to decision-making processes. This will help you adapt more quickly.

Build Relationships

Creating a supportive network is key to feeling at home in your new workplace. Here’s how to do it effectively:

• Introduce Yourself: Take the initiative to introduce yourself to colleagues, especially those you’ll be working closely with. A simple "Hi, I’m [Your Name], I've just started here" can go a long way.
• Find a Buddy and/or Mentor: Identify someone who can help guide you through your initial days. A mentor can provide valuable insights and support as you acclimatise.
• Attend Social Events: If your company hosts social gatherings, make it a point to attend if you can. These informal settings are perfect for building rapport and finding common ground.

Seek Feedback Early and Often

Constructive feedback is essential for growth, especially in a new role. To foster a feedback-rich environment:

• Schedule Check-ins: Regularly check in with your manager or team lead to discuss your performance and areas for improvement. This proactive approach shows your commitment to growth.
• Be Open: Show that you are receptive to feedback. This not only helps you improve but also demonstrates your commitment to your role. Use feedback as a tool for development rather than a critique of your abilities.

Understand the Company Culture

Every organisation of course has its own culture, and understanding this will help you navigate your new environment more effectively:

• Observe Norms: Pay attention to how colleagues interact. Is the atmosphere formal or casual? Are meetings collaborative or directive? Adjust your approach accordingly.
• Adapt and Integrate: While it’s important to be yourself, finding ways to align with the company’s culture can facilitate smoother interactions.

Set Realistic Goals

As you start your new role, set achievable goals to help guide your progress:

• Short-term Goals: Focus on what you can accomplish in your first few weeks - completing training, mastering key tools, or building initial relationships.
• Long-term Goals: Once you’re settled, think about what you want to achieve in the next few months and beyond. This will help you stay focused and motivated.

Stay Positive and Patient

Remember that adjusting to a new job can feel like a rollercoaster - exciting, a bit nauseating, and you’re not entirely sure when it’ll stop. It takes time. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed or out of place at first. Keep a positive attitude, and practice patience with yourself as you settle in.

• Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge your accomplishments, no matter how minor they seem. Each step forward is progress. Did you remember someone’s name? Did you not trip while walking into the conference room? Celebrate these small wins!
• Maintain a Growth Mindset: View challenges as opportunities for growth. This perspective will not only help you overcome obstacles but also foster resilience.

Be Proactive and Take Initiative

Show your enthusiasm for your new role by taking the initiative.

• Offer Help: If you see a colleague struggling or a project that needs support, don’t hesitate to offer your assistance. This demonstrates your willingness to contribute.
• Share Ideas: As you settle in, share your thoughts on processes or projects (my key tip: always respect the history before you arrived). Fresh perspectives can be valuable, and your insights may lead to improvements.

Leverage Technology

Utilise tools and resources to make your onboarding process smoother.

• Familiarise Yourself with Tools: Get comfortable with any software or tools your team uses. If you encounter challenges, seek help or look for tutorials.
• Utilise Resources: Take advantage of any onboarding resources, training sessions, or documentation provided by your organisation.

Being "the new person" doesn’t have to be a terrifying ordeal. It can certainly be challenging, but it’s also an exciting opportunity for growth and development. By embracing the learning process, building relationships, seeking feedback, understanding the culture, setting realistic goals, and maintaining a positive attitude, being proactive and leveraging technnology, you can navigate the maze and thrive in your new role (you will be exhausted to begin with!).

Remember, every successful journey begins with a single step, so take that step with confidence, and you’ll soon find your place within your new team and organisation. With a sprinkle of awkwardness, and a dash of courage, remember every new adventure starts with a little chaos. You’ve got this!

Who else has started a new role recently, or remembers their experience and can share some other tips to help the first month go smoothly?