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Your 90-day Adventure
Making a Steller Start!
✨ Thanks for being here for our inaugural newsletter! ✨
Let’s start at the start, your first 90 days!
Welcome to your new corporate role! Those first three months can feel both exciting and overwhelming. Let's break down how to make the most of this crucial time and set yourself up for long-term success. This is a high-level view of best practices in the first 90 days; we’ll dive deeper into some of these suggestions in upcoming issues.
The Foundation: Weeks 1-2
Your first two weeks are all about orientation and making connections. During this time:
Listen more than you speak
Write down names and roles (trust me, you'll forget otherwise!)
An org chart will help you sort out where everyone fits in
Schedule 15-minute coffee chats with key team members
What do they need from someone in your role?
How can you work together to achieve success?
Ask questions about how success is measured in your role
Study the company's products, services, and recent wins
The smartest thing you can do now is be a sponge. Absorb the company culture, understand who does what, and learn the unwritten rules that make things tick.
Building Momentum: Weeks 3-6
Now that you have a feel for things,
it's time to show your value. Focus on:
Identifying one small problem you can solve quickly, finding a "quick win" that demonstrates your skills
Building relationships beyond your immediate team
Understanding your leader’s communication style and priorities (we’ll talk about communication styles in an upcoming issue)
Creating a 90-day plan with clear milestones (if you haven't already)
Remember: you weren't hired to revolutionize everything overnight. Look for ways to contribute meaningfully while still learning the ropes.
Gaining Traction: Weeks 7-12
With two months under your belt, you can start making more significant contributions:
Take on a project where you can showcase your strengths
Actively participate in meetings with thoughtful insights and asking clarifying questions
Check-in regularly with your leader about your progress
Begin mentioning ideas for improvements (but frame them as questions)
Reflect on what you've learned and adjust your approach as needed
Pitfalls to Avoid
Even the most talented professionals can stumble during the adjustment period. Watch out for:
Trying to change too much too soon
Comparing everything to "how we did it at my old job."
Staying isolated within your team
Missing chances to learn the company's history and values
Forgetting to celebrate small wins along the way
Setting Yourself Up for Lasting Success
As you approach day 90, take time to:
Schedule a feedback session with your leader
Look ahead to your six-month goals
Connect with colleagues outside of work
Identify areas where you need additional training
Acknowledge how far you've come!
Remember that the 90-day mark isn't a finish line—it's just the beginning of your journey with the company. The relationships you build, the habits you form, and the reputation you establish during this period will create the foundation for your future growth.
We’d love to hear from you! What part of the transition process feels most challenging to you?
We’ll dive deeper into these topics and more in upcoming issues. Stay tuned!
Thanks for being here!
Until next week,
MJ
Career Coach + Cheerleader in Your Corner
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