TBD 83: First Day Jitters

Building confidence as the new kid.

Starting a new role is exciting. Sometimes imposter syndrome sneaks in - will you be able to make it? Did the hiring manager make a mistake? Do you belong here? You want to take on new challenges, but feel vulnerable about potentially failing or making a mistake.

Best practices like a 30/60/90 Plan that cover the first few months of a new job can help you build more confidence and demonstrate your leadership. Even if a plan is supplied, set up your own plan with the personal goals you’d like to achieve over each timeframe. A plan that’s updated and shared helps you stay focused and also helps keep others informed about how you’re spending time and energy.

We often fling ourselves into a new job ready to do whatever is asked in order to be useful, prove our worth and add value ASAP. While that’s a great intention, your onboarding period is a unique one-time to learn, listen and gather as much information as you can. The first few weeks or months is usually a vulnerable (but protected) time so use that to your advantage:

Here are four things that get overlooked:

1. How can people successfully work with you?
   Sure, you can share a few tidbits about yourself, your past and your hobbies. But what about helping others understand how to best work with you?
   

   Especially folks who you’ll be working closely with or managing. How do you prefer to communicate? What are your strengths? What specific experience do you bring? What are your typical work hours? Any quirks folks might need to know about?
   

   What feedback have you gotten about your work style in the past that might be helpful in helping others know what to expect?
   
   And, of course, ask the same of the folks you’ll be working with to better understand them and a deeper level.
   

2. Map the org and Build relationships with colleagues from day one:

   Today, we work in complex, matrixed organizations that require allies, partners and collaborators in order to get things done. You’ll want to build relationships so you know how to best contribute and who can help you when the time comes.
   

   This might involve reaching out to others for advice or support, collaborating on projects, or simply taking time to get to know your coworkers on a personal level. By creating a network of support early on, you’ll have the right relationships in place to navigate new challenges and build your confidence as a leader.
   

3. Take action and be proactive

   Finally, it’s important to be proactive and take appropriate action when you’re new. While you’re learning and building relationships, identify opportunities for improvement, speak up and sharing your ideas and perspectives, and test the waters gathering feedback to see where you could take impactful action—especially if there are opportunities in your wheelhouse.
   

   By taking action and proposing a project or initiative, you'll build confidence in your abilities and show your colleagues how you lead and deliver. You’ll also get feedback about if your proposal is on the right track. Don’t be discouraged if you’re slightly off track - update, listen, take counterproposals. Feedback is great information that will help you be more successful with your manager and in your new company environment.
   

4. Lastly, take time to reflect and synthesize about what you’re learning.

   What questions you are starting to hold? Where might you need to find out more about your new role or company? What hypothesis about your team, department and company are you starting to form? Why? This reflection gives you opportunity to better understand yourself, you new role and the opportunities there. It also helps you question assumptions you may be making too quickly, or gaps in your knowledge.
   

   Remember, you’re in a new role because people see the value, strengths and experience you bring. Activating your superpowers while mapping a new organization and building new relationships is an exciting opportunity to set yourself up for a satisfying new chapter in your career.

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Hi, It’s Courtney!

I’m facing my own first day jitters as I get ready to teach my first design communication class with California College of the Arts (CCA). I love a back to school moment! Getting my backpack ready. I’m also teaching at Design Ops Assembly this fall in their Learning Labs program. Super excited to be involved in a community I love!

I’m also leading a fantastic monthly group coaching session with RETHINK. Join anytime and choose your commitment. You’ll also get video resources and access to a community for more support. It’s been a blast talking through real problems in real time, and coaching and collaborating as a group. Enroll here.

Your coach, Courtney