Navigating Your First 90 Days in a New Role: A Comprehensive Guide

Embarking on a new role is a thrilling journey, filled with opportunities for growth and accomplishment. Yet, it can also be a period of adjustment and uncertainty. How you navigate your first 90 days is crucial, as it sets the tone for your tenure with the company. Here’s a guide to help you make the most of this critical period:

Before Day One:

Before you officially start your new role, take the time to prepare, research the company and immerse yourself in the company’s culture, mission, and recent developments. Understand its products, services, and industry position.

Review your Role: Revisit the job description to clarify your responsibilities, goals, and expectations. Identify any areas where you may need additional support or training. Connect with Your Manager: Reach out to your manager to introduce yourself, discuss your role, and align expectations. This initial conversation can provide valuable insights into your manager’s leadership style and communication preferences.

Week One:

As you step into your new role, focus on settling in and establishing a solid foundation. Set up your workspace, ensure your physical or virtual workspace is organised and equipped with the necessary tools and resources.

Meet your team, take the initiative to introduce yourself to your colleagues and schedule one-on-one meetings to learn about their roles, backgrounds, and working styles.

Learn company processes and familiarise yourself with the company’s policies, procedures, and tools. Seek out training opportunities to accelerate your onboarding process as well to get you ahead of the game!

Weeks Two to Six:

As you become more acclimated to your new environment, shift your focus to deeper learning and relationship-building. Absorb information and immerse yourself in your role by shadowing colleagues, attending training sessions, and seeking out relevant resources. Take notes and ask questions to deepen your understanding and accelerate your acclimatisation.

Set Short-Term Goals: Collaborate with your manager to set clear, achievable goals for your first 30, 60, and 90 days and break down these goals into actionable steps to track your progress.

Build Relationships: Cultivate connections with colleagues across different teams and departments. Actively participate in team meetings and social events to foster camaraderie and collaboration.

Weeks Seven to Twelve:

As you approach the end of your first 90 days, focus on refining your skills, seeking feedback, and positioning yourself for long-term success. Proactively seek feedback from your manager and peers on your performance and use any constructive criticism to identify areas for improvement and growth.

Offer Fresh Perspectives: As you gain a deeper understanding of your role and the company, share your insights and ideas for improvement. Your unique perspective can contribute to innovation and positive change.

Take time to reflect on your experiences during your first 90 days. Identify what’s working well and where adjustments may be needed. Use this self-reflection to refine your approach and set new goals for the future.

The first 90 days in a new role are a period of exploration, learning, and growth. Remember to stay curious, adaptable, and open to new experiences. With dedication and perseverance, you’ll establish yourself as a valued member of the team and lay the groundwork for a successful career with your new company.