XI.12.2019 - The First 90 Days - Getting It Right
I received an email from a friend this morning. She started a new job three weeks ago supporting a member of the leadership team in a large organization. Yesterday, her boss asked her to assist another Director with a special project. My friend was concerned because the request appeared to be outside of her job description. Knowing my area of expertise, my friend reached out to ask if it was appropriate to push back. My advice: embrace the challenge without question.
There is a great book by Michael Watkins called, 
The First 90 Days. In his book, Watkins dives deep into the intricacies of the probation period and why it is critical to anyone’s success. Watkins states this fact with a dramatic metaphor: “Joining a new company is akin to an organ transplant — and you’re the new organ. If you’re not thoughtful in adapting to the new situation, you could end up being attacked by the organizational immune system and rejected.”
Successfully managing new relationships is critical when starting a new position. It’s important to gain a deep understanding of who the key players are and how you and your skills align with the team. Request an organization chart on your first day of employment to get a sense of the high-level view of your position relative to other people. This will provide you with a “map” of roles and responsibilities. This way, when engaging your colleagues at any level for the first time, you have some points of reference. For example, “Great to meet you Jim, I understand that you lead the Marketing team. How long have been in this position?” Demonstrating your awareness and interest will help you feel more comfortable.
I remember my first job in the corporate world. I started as a part time receptionist in a busy office on Bay Street in downtown Toronto. One of the biggest challenges when I started was that everyone seemed to know me because they addressed me by name. But I had no idea who I was shaking hands with and my discomfort was evident. Being so “green”, my shyness took over. I shook their hands politely, but I didn’t leave them with a long-lasting impression. Knowing what I know now, I would take more time to ask the right questions. For example, “Nice to meet you too, Bob. I am enjoying this new role, but I am still getting to know everyone. What is your role here at ABC, Inc?” Then, I would figure out where Bob was located relative to me on the organization chart.
Now that you are getting to know your team and other people within the organization, it is extremely important to showcase your skills within your probation period. The obvious reason is that during your first 90 days of employment, your job security is contingent on showing that you can add value to the organization. A serious, unrecoverable mistake can make you vulnerable. In his book, Watkins states: “Shine and you will be positioned for still greater things. Stumble and you may never recover.”
So, let’s get back to my friend’s question. It doesn’t matter what your role is or where you are positioned on the organization chart because if you are asked to complete a task or initiative within your probation period, embrace it with enthusiasm. The exception, of course, is if the “ask” violates ethical standards. We can address how you navigate that challenge in a future blog.
The first 90 days is a probation period to test your suitability for the job. This three-month period also allows you time to determine whether or not the organization is the right fit for you. It’s a win/win proposition so show up with the attitude and preparedness that will make this time memorable.