Your New Job: A 100-Day Plan

First impressions are critical in the professional world, often setting the tone for your future interactions and opportunities within a company.

Studies suggest that people form impressions within the first seven seconds of meeting someone. Malcolm Gladwell’s book, “Blink,” explores how snap judgments can significantly impact our lives, including in the workplace.

Understanding this can help you navigate the initial phase of your new job with greater awareness and intention.

The impact of first impressions extends beyond personal interactions. According to research published in the Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology, employees who create a positive initial impression are more likely to receive favorable evaluations and opportunities for advancement.

This highlight the importance of not only making a good first impression with your colleagues and managers but also with anyone you encounter in the company, from the receptionist to the CEO.

A strong first impression can set the bar for trust and credibility, essential elements for career growth.

Building a positive first impression involves more than just being punctual and dressing appropriately. It requires active listening, showing genuine interest in others, and demonstrating a proactive attitude.

In “The Charisma Myth” by Olivia Fox Cabane, the author emphasizes that charisma can be developed through mindful practices. By applying these techniques, you can enhance your ability to connect with others, making your first impression more impactful and memorable.

Moreover, first impressions are not just about how others perceive you, but also about how you perceive yourself. Confidence plays a crucial role in how you present yourself in those early days.

Carol Dweck’s book, “Mindset: The New Psychology of Success,” discusses the power of having a growth mindset. Embracing this mindset can help you approach your new job with optimism and resilience, making it easier to navigate challenges and make a lasting, positive impression.

Finally, the significance of first impressions is supported by the “halo effect,” a psychological phenomenon where our overall impression of a person influences how we feel and think about their character.

By making a strong first impression, you can create a positive halo effect that benefits your professional image in the long term. Recognizing the power of first impressions and preparing accordingly can set you up for a successful and fulfilling career at your new job.

And let’s be honest… Starting a new job can be both exciting and nerve-wracking, especially if you want to make a great first impression without overstepping.

Whether you are an experienced professional but not quite a senior yet, or simply looking to excel and build a solid foundation, the first 100 days are crucial.

100-Days Plan for a New Job

This plan will guide you through the journey, helping you develop, create a relevant professional image, challenge yourself, network effectively, and show results without drawing negative attention.

Days 1-10: Get Settled and Observe

Day 1: Orientation and Introduction

Meet Your Team: Spend time getting to know your direct colleagues and team members. Understand their roles and how you will interact with them.
Understand Company Culture: Observe the company culture. Pay attention to how people communicate, dress, and interact.

Days 2-5: Learn the Basics

Set Up Your Workspace: Ensure your workspace is comfortable and equipped with everything you need.
Read Key Documents: Go through company policies, past projects, and any relevant documentation.
Learn Tools and Systems: Familiarize yourself with the tools and systems you will use daily.

Days 6-10: Start Building Relationships

Schedule One-on-Ones: Set up meetings with key colleagues and stakeholders. Use these meetings to understand their roles, expectations, and how you can work together effectively.
Join Team Meetings: Participate in team meetings to get a sense of ongoing projects and team dynamics.

Days 11-30: Begin Contributing and Learning

Days 11-15: Small Contributions

Start Small Tasks: Begin with smaller tasks and projects to build confidence and demonstrate your ability to contribute.
Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask questions. It shows that you are engaged and eager to learn.

Days 16-20: Deeper Understanding

Understand Goals: Learn about the team’s short-term and long-term goals. Align your work to contribute towards these objectives.
Identify Challenges: Observe any challenges the team is facing. Think about how you might be able to help solve these problems.

Days 21-30: Show Initiative

Take Initiative: Volunteer for tasks that align with your skills and interests. Showing initiative demonstrates your commitment and proactive attitude.
Offer Help: If you see a colleague struggling, offer your assistance. This not only helps build relationships but also showcases your teamwork skills.

Days 31-60: Build Momentum and Demonstrate Value

Days 31-40: Own Projects

Take Ownership: Start taking ownership of larger tasks and projects. Ensure you deliver high-quality work on time.
Provide Updates: Regularly update your manager and team on your progress. This keeps everyone informed and shows you are reliable.

Days 41-50: Develop Skills

Seek Feedback: Ask for feedback on your work. Use this feedback to improve and develop your skills.
Identify Learning Opportunities: Look for opportunities to learn new skills or enhance existing ones. This could be through online courses, workshops, or internal training.

Days 51-60: Network Effectively

Expand Your Network: Connect with colleagues from other departments. Understanding different parts of the organization can provide valuable insights.
Attend Events: Participate in company events, social gatherings, and professional meetups. These are great opportunities to build your network.

Days 61-90: Solidify Your Position and Plan for Growth

Days 61-70: Showcase Your Achievements

Highlight Successes: Share your achievements and contributions with your manager and team. Make sure to do this humbly and factually.
Update Your Manager: Have a one-on-one meeting with your manager to discuss your progress, feedback, and areas for improvement.

Days 71-80: Innovate and Improve

Suggest Improvements: If you identify areas where processes or systems can be improved, suggest these changes thoughtfully.
Lead Initiatives: Take the lead on a small initiative or project. This shows leadership potential and your ability to drive results.

Days 81-90: Focus on Long-Term Goals

Set Long-Term Goals: Discuss your long-term goals with your manager. Understand how you can grow within the company.
Create a Development Plan: Based on the feedback and your goals, create a personal development plan. Identify the skills and experiences you need to achieve your goals.

Days 91-100: Reflect and Plan Ahead

Days 91-95: Reflect on Your Journey

Self-Assessment: Reflect on your first 90 days. What have you achieved? What challenges did you face? What could you have done differently?
Gather Feedback: Seek feedback from your manager and colleagues. Use this to adjust your development plan.

Days 96-100: Plan for the Future

Revisit Goals: Revisit your long-term goals and update them if necessary.
Prepare for the Next Steps: Plan your next steps based on your development plan. Continue to seek opportunities to learn, contribute, and grow.

With a focus on learning, building relationships, and demonstrating your value, you will lay a strong foundation for your success. Remember, professional growth is a continuous journey, so stay curious, seek feedback, and always look for ways to improve.

With this plan, you are well on your way to making a significant impact and building a meaningful career through your new job.

But as you embark on your first 100 days in a new job, maintaining humility is crucial. Humility allows you to connect authentically with your colleagues and build genuine relationships.

Jim Collins, in his book “Good to Great,” highlights that the most effective leaders combine professional will with personal humility.

This balance is essential not only for leaders but for anyone aiming to make a positive impression and build a strong professional reputation.

By staying humble, you show that you value others’ contributions and are open to learning, which opens a collaborative and supportive work environment.

Being genuine and avoiding the temptation to show off is key to earning respect and trust. When you focus on being yourself rather than trying to impress, you build genuine interest on you.

Brené Brown, in “Daring Greatly,” emphasizes the power of vulnerability and authenticity in building connections. By being open about your strengths and areas for growth, you create a space where others feel comfortable doing the same. This openness can lead to stronger teamwork and a more cohesive workplace.

Embracing new experiences with an open mind to learn in your new job demonstrates humility to grow as a human. Instead of pretending to know everything, ask questions and seek guidance from more experienced colleagues.

Stephen Covey’s “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” stresses the importance of listening to understand, rather than listening to respond. By genuinely seeking to understand others’ perspectives, you show respect and a desire to integrate into the team effectively.

Caring for your colleagues and treating everyone with kindness and respect are fundamental aspects of humility.

Adam Grant, in “Give and Take,” discusses how successful people often achieve their goals by helping others achieve theirs. By adopting a giving attitude and offering support whenever possible, you build a network of goodwill that can be invaluable throughout your career.

Lastly, avoid the temptation in the new job to outshine others or push your way to the top at the expense of your colleagues. Success achieved through collaboration and mutual support is far more sustainable and rewarding.

Embrace humility as a guiding principle, and you will find that your first 100 days are not just about personal success, but about building a foundation for long-term, collective achievement.

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100-Days Plan for a New Job

Days 1-10: Get Settled and Observe

Days 11-30: Begin Contributing and Learning

Days 31-60: Build Momentum and Demonstrate Value

Days 61-90: Solidify Your Position and Plan for Growth

Days 91-100: Reflect and Plan Ahead

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