Dear Monsters,

It’s that time of year when we start new jobs, kick-off exciting projects and get those well-earned promotions. Well firstly, congratulations! You’ve successfully navigated the treacherous waters of job searching, internal promotion committees, salary negotiations and emerged victorious. But now, as you step into the unknown territory of a new workplace or team, you might feel like you’re facing a pack of monsters—unknown challenges, unfamiliar faces, and a whirlwind of expectations. And even if you think the worst is behind you, there are quite a few challenges lurking from every corner. The first three months in a new role are deserving of a true roadmap that will help you navigate through the storm. 

But fear no more, dear Monsters, since as the typical Millennial, I have switched jobs and teams nearly ten times so far. And this makes me an expert at… new beginnings.  I’m here to be your guide through the maze of the first three months, helping you not only survive but thrive in your new role.

Step 1: Confront the Fear

The first monster you’ll encounter is the fear of the unknown. It’s natural to feel a mix of excitement and anxiety when starting a new job. Take a deep breath and acknowledge your feelings. Embrace the discomfort and use it as fuel to propel yourself forward. Remember, every seasoned professional was once the new person in the office. Also, it would be good to remember that in nearly 100% of the cases, your job will get easier as you go. New things make us grow and get better, Monsters, so feel the progress and growth every time your new role makes you sweat.

Step 2: Shut up and Listen

There is one mistake that most people do in their careers, and that is speaking instead of listening. I tell that story in a greater detail in “Dear Monsters”, but trust me that there was nothing more off-turning than leaders that act like they have all the answers, but in reality have no idea what they are talking about. This can be a real challenge, dear Monsters, as you need to be humble. I know how hard it can be to sit back, listen and soak up the wisdom of your new team members, managers and colleagues, but you need to. Listen to understand, don’t listen to respond. 

Step 3: Master the Lingo

I know it is terrible, but every workplace has its own set of acronyms, jargon, and company-specific terminology that make a newbie’s life miserable. So, while you are spending all that time actively listening, make it a priority to familiarize yourself with the language of your new environment. Ask questions, take notes, and don’t hesitate to seek clarification. This is the best time to ask, as people will have no hard feelings or judgement. You are new, after all. But soon, you’ll be conversing with colleagues as if you’ve been there for years.

Step 4: Build Alliances

Don’t be a shy little Monster and start networking! Foster positive relationships with your colleagues. Make it your key priorities to schedule 1o1s with all your team members, but also with your key stakeholders and peers in your first 90 days. You can feel free to make it informal, ask them for coffee or lunch and try to understand what their key priorities are, what matters to them and how you can be helpful to them in your new role. Attend team events, engage in casual conversations, and participate in team-building activities. Building alliances early on will help you feel more connected and supported.

Step 5: Understand the Context

While you are out there meeting people and building alliances, don’t forget to understand know your role can contribute to those people’s success. Also, try to understand the history. Is it an existing role or is it a completely new one? Who was in the role before? What worked well and what didn’t? This is key to help you build your game plan. You will be surprised how many things you could reveal about the role simply by asking the right questions. 

Step 6: Seek Feedback

Constructive feedback is your friend, not a foe. Don’t be afraid to ask for pointers on your performance, even at the very beginning. I would recommend setting up one checkpoint with your manager after a month, and another one three months after your start date. As you are new, nobody really expects you to have absolutely everything figured out just yet, but your manager can help you get a feeling whether you are on the right trajectory. Use these conversations as a tool for improvement and growth. Remember, everyone has strengths and areas for development. Embrace both, and you’ll find that the friendly monster under the bed is there to guide you, not to haunt you.

Step 7: Understand the Company Culture 

Understanding the organizational culture is crucial for your success. Learn about the company’s values, mission, and the way things get done. Observe how decisions are made and understand the chain of command. Map out the hidden champions and influencers, the key clients and your most important supporters. While you are there, set up a call with your HR department to understand your potential development plans and courses and sign up for them on time. This knowledge will help you navigate the terrain with confidence and start adding value immediately.

Step 8: Manage your Time

One of the challenges that can easily overwhelm you is the lack of time management. I have learned this the hard way, so please do as I say: Prioritize tasks, set realistic deadlines, and break larger projects into smaller, more manageable steps. Creating a schedule will not only help you stay organized but will also allow you to navigate through the monsters of tight deadlines and competing priorities. I recommend making a 90-day plan on how you plan on spending your time, the actions you intend on taking and the areas you will allocate your time to. It always lands well when you share this plan with your manager and your immediate team, also asking them for some feedback or suggestions. It lands even better, when you demonstrate how you followed your 90-day plan on your 1o1 with your manager.

At this point, you are beyond the 90-day mark, and I have both good and bad news for you. The good news is that you have survived your probation period and have actively demonstrated that you are capable to deliver results in your new role. The bad news is, that you will have to keep on riding a steep learning curve. The professional world is ever-changing, and to stay ahead, you need to evolve. Continuously educate yourself about industry trends, tools, and technologies. Attend workshops, webinars, and training sessions to sharpen your skills and remain competitive. Don’t stop. 

Remember, every monster can be conquered with the right mindset and strategy. Embrace the challenges, learn from the experiences, and before you know it, you’ll not only have survived the first three months but also become a master of your domain.

Wishing you a successful journey filled with growth and achievement.