Succeeding In Your New Job

Congratulations! You worked hard and got the job you wanted. You are probably hoping it will work out perfectly and that you will never have to look for a job again. Unfortunately, some of the factors affecting your job security are not under your control. Your new company could have a cutback, reorganize, relocate, be acquired by a larger company, or go out of business. But there are many things you can control to get off to a smooth start. Reviewing The Lessons Of The Past

• You have learned by now that no one is completely secure in any job. But you can increase your value to your new employer and your chances for success by thinking about following questions:
• Do you have traits or skill areas that you can improve in your new job?
• If so, what do you need to learn in order to function more successfully?
• If you were let go because of a cutback, what could you do to make yourself more valuable in this job? Acquire new skills? Foster a more positive attitude toward extra work?
• Do you know where you want to be in five years? What would you do if your company went out of business before five years were up?
• What can you do now to reach these goals?

How Others See You But how do others see you? As you start your new job, it is a good idea to get honest feedback on your performance and how you come across to others. You should keep this in mind as you interact with your new boss and coworkers. And, as you get to know and feel comfortable with the people you work with, you can begin to sound out your new boss and coworkers about how you are doing and how they perceive you. Your Relationship With Your New Boss Your relationship with your new boss is the most important relationship in your new job. If there is a coworker you don't get along with, you can often avoid that person, but you can't avoid the boss. It's important that you and the boss agree early on what constitutes a satisfactory performance and attitude, and you should continue discussions to make sure you are "on track." Your first priority should be your dedication in always supporting your supervisor. In this way, you will in turn receive any support you need. Within the first week of your employment, it is a good idea to sit down with the boss and get his/her views on the objectives of the department, and the expectations of your performance. Ask what he/she would like you to contribute in the first few weeks or months. Get specific numbers and deadlines if possible. (Example-type the new employee handbook by August 1, finish first section by July 15), and make sure you commit to completing the job on time. Ask if you can review your progress with your boss fairly often at first. Go over what has gone well, and discuss any difficulties and how they might be solved. Clear up any problem quickly. If you are diplomatic, but persistent, the boss will usually give you a few minutes of his/her time to help solve it, especially if you explain that it is holding up your work. Try to look at your relationship with your supervisor from a win-win point of view. This win-win frame of mind creates positive relationships and enhanced performance. Other employees may discuss the boss unfavorably. Never join in! You can avoid taking sides by just listening. It never works to gossip about the boss or anyone else. Quickly establish a record of punctuality and dependability. Agree early on lunch and break routines and follow the policies and procedures of the company. Keep Up With The Job Market You should always be prepared for the next step in your career, whether it is within the same company or another one. Continue to update your skills and be aware of your market value. Establish yourself as a valuable member of your new department and company in the following ways: Continually educate yourself and upgrade your skills. Take advantage of all appropriate company training programs, take outside courses, and read all about your field. When your accomplish something important, make a note of it to serve as a reminder to your boss at review time. Save all complimentary notes from your boss, customers or other departments. It is important to continually create a master file of your accomplishments and use these to keep your resume updated, to prepare for any new opportunities. Whenever possible, volunteer for extra responsibilities so that you become more valuable and visible to people inside and outside your department. Keep improving on your reputation as a valued employee of the company. If you feel your communications skills could use a boost, you should take a course in effective writing or public speaking. Do not lose touch with the contacts you developed during your job search. Call or write to them and thank them for their help as soon as you start your new job. They can keep you informed of what is happening in your field and will be very valuable if you ever have to look for a job again or you can assist them if they need your help or advice. Continue to network, and join professional and social organizations to expand your contacts. The more key people you know, the more likely you are to be noticed and remembered. Suggestions for Career Success in Today’s Workplace The following list contains suggestions by managers on how to increase your value to the company.

• Be able to accept change and respond to it.
• Recognize and accept the fact that many issues and situations are not clear- cut.
• Commit yourself to ongoing learning
• Practice continual improvement.
• Be self-confident, but not conceited.
• Do what's right, not just what's popular.
• Get along with your clients and other staff
• Prove and improve your worth.
• Take initiative in taking on new assignments.
• Become known through your involvement in various activities.
• Always, always support your supervisors, even if you do not agree with them.
• Evaluate your situation realistically.
• Create a career development plan, and always be prepared with an updated portfolio.
• Know how the Company system works.
• Commit yourself fully to your job.
• Hold yourself accountable for outcomes.
• Add value to your organization.
• See yourself as a service center.
• Manage your own morale.
• Be a fixer, not a finger pointer.
• Maintain a positive, professional attitude.
• Learn from your mistakes.
• Never, never gossip, or make close friends with whom you work.
• Don't criticize, condemn or complain.
• Give honest, sincere appreciation
• Become genuinely interested in other people,
• Smile.
• Remember that a person's name to him or her is the sweetest and most important sound in any language.
• Be a good listener. Encourage others to talk about themselves.
• Talk in terms of the other person's interests. (Remember: An interested person is an interesting person).
• Make the other person feel important-and do it sincerely.
• Show respect for the other person's opinions. Never tell a person he or she is wrong.
• If you are wrong, admit it quickly and emphatically.
• Try honestly to see things from the other person's point of view.
• Count your blessings, not your troubles.

For help in designing effective job search strategies that work, and living a more balanced life and career that is fully aligned with your passions and values, contact Winning Ways.