Success in a new role - transition
Eight Pitfalls That Can Thwart a Career in the First 100 Days
According to various Human Resource organisations, approximately 25 percent of the UK/US population experiences a job transition every year. Regrettably, many of these transitions are not successful. In fact, half of external senior hires fail within 18 months.
Following are eight pitfalls that can thwart a career in the crucial first 100 days in a new role:
1. Failure to clarify and define expectations. While the formal job description highlights expectations, there are also informal expectations that aren’t put on paper. Be sure that you know what your leadership really expects from you.
2. Lack of understanding of your new manager and his or her style and needs. The first 100 days is the time to build a strong relationship with your new manager. What makes them tick? What drives them? How can you best adapt to their communication and decision-making style?
“When one door closes another opens but all too often there is a long hallway in between.”
3. Not building adequate plausibility and trust with employees. Each employee is different. The first 100 days is a crucial time to assess your team and set strategies to engage your employees.
4. Being perceived as an outsider or even eccentric. Persist in learning the culture in order to fit in.
5. Alignment with the right players. The first 100 days gives you the opportunity to understand the informal power structure in the organisation. Who are the talented and high potentials? Who are on their way out?
6. Detonating political landmines. Unless you are expected to go after a specific ‘high stakes’ agenda in the organisation, tread wisely during your first 100 days.
7. Taking hasty action without taking the time to learn. Donate enough of your time to observe and understand why things are the way they are.
8. Ignoring continuous professional development. During your transition period, be modest enough to realise new skills, knowledge, and relationships that will help you continue to progress in your career.
If you would like help in making a successful and effective transition, then please contact us to chat further.