When you start a new role, it’s an exciting time and there is always a lot to learn. Onboarding is the process of helping you to settle into life in a new job. Onboarding is the final step in the Connor one to one outplacement service and we take a look at how this works in practice. We hope these tips will make your life easier and help you to be efficient in your new role as soon as possible.
Clarify expectations early and often
Begin managing expectations from the moment you consider taking on a new role. Focus on expectations during the interview process. You are in trouble if your manager expects you to fix things fast when you know the business has serious structural problems. It’s wise to lower unrealistic expectations early on. Then check in regularly to make sure your manager’s expectations have not shifted. Revisiting expectations is especially important if you’re joining an organisation from the outside and don’t have a deep understanding of the culture and politics
Take full responsibility for making the relationship work
Don’t always expect your manager to offer you the time and support you need. It’s best to begin by assuming that it’s on your shoulders to make the relationship work. If your manager meets you half way, then this is a bonus.
Negotiate timescales for diagnosis and action planning
Don’t let yourself get caught up immediately in the firefighting or be pressured to make calls before you’re ready. Buy yourself some time, even if it’s only a few weeks, to diagnose the new organisation and come up with an action plan. In the first month observe, the second month test and the third month act and review.
Aim for early wins in areas important to your manager
Whatever your own priorities, figure out what your manager cares about most. What are their priorities and goals and how do your actions fit into this? Once you know, aim for early results in those areas. One good way is to focus on three things that are important to your manager and discuss what you’re doing about them every time you interact. In that way, your manager will feel ownership of your success.
Pursue positive feedback from key colleagues
Your manager will have existing relationships with people who are your peers and possibly your direct reports. Look for feedback from them and document this where possible to demonstrate how effective you are and to address any issues that you find.
Read more about our outplacement services or get in touch with one of our outplacement specialists today.