The Real Way to Earn Respect in a New Role

Respect… Trust… Ah!

Starting a new job can feel like standing at the edge of a stage, with the spotlight already on you before you say a word. You’re excited, hopeful, and quietly nervous.

There’s this pressure to show your value quickly, to not get lost in the background. But the truth is, trying too hard often pushes people away. And trying too little leaves you invisible.

It’s a strange tension. You want to be seen, but not loud. Helpful, but not overbearing. Present, but not clingy.

Here’s the tricky part: first impressions happen fast. Some say it takes just seven seconds. Seven. That’s barely enough time to say your name. But the impression people get in those early moments? It shapes how they see you long after. Like it or not, they’ll filter your actions through that initial lens.

That’s why your first days in a new job are not about showing off what you know. They’re about building trust. Quietly. Consistently. Thoughtfully.

Think about it from the other side. When someone new joins your team, do you trust them more when they immediately start telling everyone what to change? Or when they ask questions, show curiosity, and respect what’s already been done?

Exactly.

The best way to build your reputation is to show that you’re here to understand first, and contribute second. You do that not by disappearing into the background, but by choosing your actions wisely.

Earning Trust and Respect at Work?

Here’s a simple rhythm that works.

Days 1 to 10: Listen More Than You Speak: Meet people one by one. Ask about their work, how they see things, what matters to them. Pay attention to how communication happens. Is it short messages or long emails? Formal or relaxed? Observe the systems, the tone, and the decisions behind the scenes. Learn before you ask to lead.

Days 11 to 30: Start Adding Value, Quietly: Take on small tasks and do them well. Be the person who delivers, even when the task seems simple. Join meetings and ask questions that show you’re paying attention. Look for small ways to help others. That’s how you start building relationships that last.

Days 31 to 60: Be Seen for the Right Reasons: Take responsibility for something small but meaningful. Keep your manager in the loop, not with bragging, just updates. Ask for feedback early. Meet people outside your team. Show that you care about the whole system, not just your piece of it.

Days 61 to 90: Improve Without Overstepping: Now, suggest improvements—but small ones. Fix what you can reach. If you can, lead a mini-initiative. Something that shows you can take charge without shaking the whole system. Keep track of your contributions. You’ll need them later.

Days 91 to 100: Reflect and Reset: Ask for feedback again. From your manager, from your peers. Review what you’ve learned. Where did you do well? What could be better? Adjust your personal goals. At this point, you’re no longer just the new hire. You’re becoming someone the team relies on.

The Quiet Truth About Reputation: You do not need to shout to be heard. And you do not need to rush to be seen. Respect is built in how you make others feel. Do they feel heard when they speak to you? Do they feel supported when you’re in the room?

This is the real foundation of your first 100 days.

Be patient. There will be days when you feel invisible. That’s normal. Keep showing up. Keep doing what matters. And when the time is right, your influence will speak for itself.

Go slow. Stay real. And let trust grow in the silence between your words.

That’s how you build a career, not just a résumé.

I am incredibly grateful that you have taken the time to read this post.

Please, check my premium newsletters:

Please, check also my Book Notes!

Support my work by sharing my content with your network using the sharing buttons below.

Want to show your support and appreciation tangibly?

Creating these posts takes time, effort, and lots of coffee, but it’s totally worth it!

If you’d like to show some support and help keep me energized for the next one, buying me a virtual coffee is a simple (and friendly!) way to do it.

Do you want to get new content in your Email?

Do you want to check previous Book Notes?

Do you want to check previous Articles?

Check my main categories of content below:

Navigate between the many topics covered in this website:

Support my work by sharing my content with your network using the sharing buttons below.

Want to show your support tangibly? A virtual coffee is a small but nice way to show your appreciation and give me the extra energy to keep crafting valuable content! Pay me a coffee: