One Month, Three Takeaways

Today marks one month since I joined the Axiom family. My goal throughout this article is to?encourage?those in the trenches of searching for a new job and?advise?fellow "newbies" on the team as they navigate new relationships, systems, and work.

Throughout the last four weeks, I have been fortunate to have multiple individuals check in and ask for an update on how the new job is going. Here are some of my responses:

• Enjoying my new job and the environment I've been in. Great team and leader. Got lots to learn, but it's been an exciting new chapter!
• New job has been great! So pumped for a new challenge and the opportunity to grow.
• It's been great! I have enjoyed getting acclimated and learning new things by the hour!
• This has been the right new chapter and the right time. It's exciting to be a part of the team. The Lord has abundantly answered prayers.

What struck me about my responses was the emphasis on learning. One of Axiom's four core values is?learning: every day presents an opportunity to express humility and learn more.?As the new consultant on the team, that became evident almost instantly.

Learning - We are humble and seek to understand more each day.        

With an attitude of learning in mind, here are three takeaways I hope to be an encouragement for job hunters and advice for new hires.

Learn systematically.

It can be tempting to sit back and rely on onboarding calls, training videos, and company wikis to help you perform well, especially when you're just starting. However, I recommend taking a more systematic approach during your first few weeks in the new role.

Ask yourself, Why is this being done in this way? and connect the answers to form a web of information that will help you perform well and scale your contributions within the organization.

Consider the following sample questions:?

• How are different business modules connected? What are some case studies of high-performing employees in the company?
• How does your team or unit communicate and engage with each other effectively?
• How does this piece of information relate to what I learned about previously?

Build your professional toolbox.

There is general agreement that having a calendar, notebook, and to-do list is critical for achieving success in the workplace. If you look up "productive calendar apps" or "best physical notebooks" on Google, you will undoubtedly find an overwhelming array of options. However, this is an excellent opportunity to expand your toolkit and acquire resources that can aid in remembering important details, completing tasks, and managing your time more effectively.?

It is essential to consider your own preferences and working style when determining which apps or physical tools will best serve your needs.?

I recommend checking out Toolfinder.

Define the gap.

What do I know today that I didn't know yesterday? This question resonated with me so much that I wrote it on a board where I see it every time I look to the left of my monitors. It challenges me to approach every day with the understanding that there is more to learn and more to reflect on. New hires are often overwhelmed with the sheer amount of information available and try to keep "heads above water" when the day-to-day busyness starts hitting hard. While systematic learning and building your professional toolbox are helpful in the present, defining the gap pushes you to consider the future and what is needed to get you there.

Establish a suitable time frame for your line of work and ask:?Where am I currently, and what do I need to do to get to where I am going?

Leveraging the web of systematic information and your toolkit, clearly define the gap between you today and where you would like to be. It may look similar to this.

1. Write down your overarching goal due July 24, 2024.
2. Draft a list of Q3 priorities that support your overarching goal.
3. Keep a log of daily and weekly actions driving you toward your Q3 priorities.
4. Invite others (especially your team members) into this process to hold you accountable.
5. Review your overarching goal regularly and make adjustments as necessary.

Job seeker, keep searching for the company that will enable you to do the above and plenty more. New hire, congratulations on landing your unique opportunity. May these takeaways be helpful as you embark on this journey.

To learn more about Axiom Strategic Consulting and how we help small businesses maximize their potential, visit our website or email me at [email protected].