Whether you are joining a new company or changing slots in the same outfit, you can ease your entry into your new role by focusing in some basic principles of workplace success:

• Manage stress. Recognize that the process of adjusting to your new assignment will involve moments of uncertainty, which can translate into a high level of stress. Have a plan for managing the extra stress, and be sure to include a fitness program. You may feel like you no longer have time to work out, but that is short-sighted. The time and energy you spend on keeping your cool is an investment that can contribute to your success.
  
  
• Learn what your boss wants. Chances are, when you start your new job your boss may be a bit vague about what you are expected to do. Some managers have the attitude, “You figure out how to do it -- that’s why I’m paying you the big bucks.” Ask what you are supposed to deliver, and when. Beyond that, inquire about how your boss prefers to be kept informed of your progress, and begin to regularly report on your activities in a way that is minimally burdensome. For example, if your boss is too busy to meet, start a regular email report and create an opportunity for your boss to give you quick and easy feedback.
  
  
• Build your network. When managers and professionals run into trouble with new jobs it’s typically not because they don’t have the technical skills. They are more likely to fail because they don’t take time to learn the culture or establish strong relationships with their colleagues or direct reports. During your first months on the job take time to get to know people. Be methodical as you reach out to a broad range of teammates, customers and others who might have information to share. (I’ll write more about networking in the next issue of this ezine.)
  
  
• Listen and learn. As you build your network, ask questions and actively listen to each new person. Resist the urge to talk about yourself and your successes in the old job. Keep an open mind, avoid conflicts early in your tenure and be cautious about choosing sides among warring factions.
  
  
• Do what you say you will. One of the worst ways to start out is to create a trail of broken promises. Deliver on every commitment you make, no matter how small. For example, if you offer to make a phone call or send along information, do so immediately.
  
  
• Be on time. One of the simplest ways to demonstrate respect and enthusiasm is to show up on time for every meeting and appointment. This can be more challenging than usual if you are on a new schedule and in an unfamiliar environment, but it is worth the extra effort.
  
  
• Set manageable goals. As you start to feel that your feet are on the ground, create realistic goals for your first year. Focus on high priorities, reconfirm your understanding of your boss’s expectations, and identify some near term projects. Don’t try to do everything at once, but identify specific preliminary steps that will move you in the right direction.
  
  
• Adjust your attitude. It’s not unusual to experience a letdown soon after you start your job. Once you are beyond the excitement of the move, you may realize that not everything is living up to your expectations. When you get the feeling that the honeymoon is over, it will be time for you to make an important choice. You can give in to your disappointment and become preoccupied with your negative discoveries. Or you can choose to focus on the positive aspects of your situation and commit yourself to doing what it takes to reach your goals.

Below is a brief description of a book, as well as a link that will allow you to buy the book directly from Amazon.com. For reviews of other helpful books, along with Amazon links, go to: ClearWays Books and Services. If you buy any book this way it will contribute to the cost of distributing Bev's Tips, and be much appreciated.

Sink or Swim, by Milo Sindell and Thuy Sindell, Ph. D.

The Sindells, both organizational consultants, say that most employees today are thrown into new positions with little or no training, to sink or swim as they can. And one in four employees don’t make it through their first year on the job. Their book is written as a week-by-week guide to lead you through the first twelve weeks in a new job, assuring that you won’t be in the unsuccessful 25%.

The book may seem obvious, focusing on fundamentals like managing your schedule, building your network and committing to your goals. At first glance the book struck me as too simplistic for most professionals. And yet, as I read through it, I found myself agreeing that reacquainting yourself with the basics of organizational survival is an excellent strategy for getting off to a good start.