Key success factors when starting in a new company

As a headhunter, I am often asked by my candidates what are the top recommendations for an executive to ensure a successful start in his next challenge, especially when we are talking about working in a completely new environment. 

This is what I am telling them: 

1. Show that you are committed to the company's targets.  Find ways of developing yourself in a practical manner that will not only reinforce your competencies but also make you an even more valuable person for the company.

Ask your superiors to be involved in special projects, mainly the ones that can bring you and your company forward without putting pressure and an additional workload on your team.

2. Become the Expert you were hired for. The company spent time and money to find you because they believe you are the right one to fulfill the requirements of this position. Become more than familiar with the needs and become a true Expert in what you are supposed to do. 

Ask for recommendations on industry-specialized literature, especially if you are new in the industry.

3. Focus on the success of your team, not on your own. Successful teams are a reflex of successful leadership. And everyone knows that. So focus on helping your colleagues to improve themselves, achieve their goals, and to perform at their best. Their success will be also yours.

4. Make sure you deliver what you promised. That will ensure that your name stands for good and reliable work - and this (first) impression counts.         

5. Be aware of the KPIs and always take responsibility. You have to know your numbers by heart. Take responsibility for your company's results, especially the bad ones, and know how to explain them and how you impact your company's key performance indicators.

6. Become a Strategic Thinker. Find the balance between working 'in' the company (operational work) and 'on' the company.  

Working 'in' the company means you are handling your business as it is today; working 'on' the company is about a consistent and clear evaluation of how you can help the company to reach the next level.

7. Question the status quo. Once you understand your company's vision and principles, it is your job to respectably question traditional beliefs and bring new ideas to the table. In the fast-paced world, you must remain future-oriented and benchmark your company with others and see the advantage of continuous further developments.

8. Don't rest until you have excellent communication skills. It doesn't matter if you are an extrovert or an introvert, you are working with people. Therefore, when communicating, always keep a focus on the audience's expectations, be well prepared, and show interest in what they are saying.

9. Build your internal network. As the new executive on the block, it is important to connect not only with your new team, but also with peers, colleagues, and all sort of people inside your new company. Try to have a clear understanding of the needs of your end-user and establish contacts with customers, if possible to trendsetters.

Always show that you are really interested and care about their needs, and positioning yourself as an available person, so that they can reach you when they will need.

10. Inspire by example and live what you preach. The company's values and principles are not just random words chosen to appear on your website. They must serve as guidelines for your daily acts. How you do one thing is how you do everything. A strong executive leads by example and inspires others to do the same. People will notice that quickly.

11. Be helpful and offer support. Since the beginning, offer to help your colleagues every time you believe you can add value to their work.  The same is true in case strategic projects pop up and your superior needs (your) support. 

A successful career takes time for taking off. There is no short cut to become noticed and involved. Take your time and work on the tips above. 

If you think these tips are helpful, please leave me a comment and tell me what is your key success factor when starting in a new company.

I wish you the best of success!

Dieter Brandt