Settle And Grow While You Transition

Transitioning into a new role in a new workplace need not always be traumatic

Here is how to transition, settle down and grow – all at the same time

First impression is not the last impression. However, the first impression is definitely an important impression. And how much more, when it is about joining a new organization, in a new role. Starting off in a new workplace where it a new role, new boss, new team, new culture, new clients, new dynamics, new ways of working, and so on.

Stepping into a new role in a new organization comes with mixed bag of emotions – excitement, anticipation, doubt, apprehension, curiosity, hope, and many more.

The first few months are crucial - new job, new organization, among new people, and in a new work environment. And action taken (or not taken) in these first few months can make (or break) the acceleration of one’s career growth.

Here are a series of three 3s – 3 Traps, 3 Opportunities and 3 Tips to watch out for.

Traps: Watch out for these three traps that might distract you and subsequently hinder your growth and contribution to the organization. People joining new roles in new workplace tend of have such kind of self-talk which can be dis-empowering:

1. “Let me first learn the job and then I will explore what growth opportunities I can have here.”
2. “Whether I like the job or not, I have to deal with it for the next 2 years before I can expect a change, or even ask for a change.”
3. “I need to understand the culture, dynamics, and politics of the organization first before I can make any moves.”

Opportunities: Time is of the essence. As people get to know you and you get to know them, every passing week is opportunities gained or lost. And the choice is yours.

1. No past baggage – People do not know you yet. Therefore, there is no past baggage of perceptions from your previous workplace. You can define how and who you want to show up as.
2. A new beginning – Bring out your ‘best strategic self’ which is an ‘even better version’ of you compared to who you were when your left your last workplace.
3. Opportunity for speed with acceleration – A good and strategic start will define the speed and progress in climbing higher up the ladder.

Tips: Some useful tips are as follows:

1. Keep the big picture in mind – about your new workplace, and about your career and your life. Gain understanding of where your organization is headed, your organization’s vision and mission. And also know where you are headed, your aspirations and desires.
2. Add value – Be strategic in execution in providing value, and that too, as soon as possible.
3. Be accountable – Hire a coach who will walk and work alongside you, in your journey of transition, settling down, and moving to the next level up. In this journey, at times you might feel overwhelmed or overworked. Allowing yourself to be accountable to your coach will help you keep the focus on where you ought to be heading.

Hope this is helpful as you transition, settle down and grow in your new role in the new organization, all at the same time.