On Being New

When we are promoted, we have a honeymoon period.  Make it last.  Rather than trying to prove you are as good as experienced staff, take advantage of ignorance and inexperience to mine the knowledge of others.

Early in your new position, set up meetings with managers, staff and colleagues to learn the ropes, gain helpful tips, avoid pitfalls, and establish friendly relations.  Unless you work in a toxic environment, most people will be happy to help you come on board and to recount their adventures as newbies.

Ask for clarification in meetings.  You may be astonished to discover how many other people in a meeting may also not know what you do not know, except they are too reticent to speak up.  Raising questions is a strong leadership trait and will minimize truly ridiculous blunders as you learn new skills.  If you are absolutely the most junior person in a room full of well-experienced individuals, make a note of your questions and ask your boss or colleagues after the meeting.

When new objectives require the performance of unfamiliar or rusty skills, gain the agreement of your boss to provide early outlines or drafts to avoid wasting everyone’s time on irrelevant tasks.  Confess your newness immediately in the spirit of acquiring new knowledge and completing goals effectively.  You must still do the work, but you can ask for guidance.

Considering that many activities in a manager’s calendar are quarterly and annual, your honeymoon could last a whole year, by which time you will be a skilled performer.