Howdy! I’m new to Jelecos and thus new to blogging with you.
Quick Intro: Sarah Tucker, Director of Sales & Marketing since May 19, 2010. Book nerd, mom of a whole bunch of kids, Twitterer (@tuckersarah), professional chef wanna-be and food lover!
Statistics show that the average person between the ages of 18 and 38 changes jobs 10 times! That’s a lot of adjusting-learning to operate new telephone systems, scoping out close-by lunch spots, navigating parking arrangements and thousands of faces to learn. (The important things, right?!)
My first 6 weeks at Jelecos have reminded me of some pretty valuable tips to navigating the imminent career hop/skip/or jump.
Thankfully, I have a very valuable mentor in my life. He operates in a similar position at another company and has provided lots of guidance for me during this process. He recommended a book that’s braced me for a lot of what’s been thrown my way: The First 90 days: Critical Success Strategies for New Leaders at All Levels, by Michael Watkins.
This author speaks my language: quick hits of lists and tips. I was reminded that the first few months in a new position are critical because you are proving yourself anew every day. It's also important to be excited – you changed jobs because you wanted too, right?!
Here are the three tips to ease your transition:
- Read and LISTEN. A new position often comes with a new industry, new philosophies, and a new culture. Learn everything you can about the organization. Watkins suggests building a Learning Plan template to keep you on track.
- Identify. Determine quickly a need that you can address and secure yourself an early “win." Whether it’s a process change or a new client you can add to the roster – your commitment to success can be proven with some quick action.
- Balance. Watkins speaks often about avoiding vicious cycles; bad habits and patterns develop quickly. Determining priorities and finding the proper balance to achieving those goals are the keys to success!
