Six Things New Hires Should Do During the First 30 Days
This is a guest post by Jennifer King, HR Analyst for Software Advice. She blogs about trends, technology and best practices in HR and career development.
The first weeks on the job for any new hire can be overwhelming. There are plenty of orientation meetings to attend, training sessions to complete, and new hire paperwork to fill out. While these are all important, here are six things new hires should do on their own within their first 30 days to set themselves up for success.
1. Come up with your elevator pitch.
You only get one chance to make a first impression. So, before you start introducing yourself to everyone, figure out what you’re going to say when you meet them.
2. Understand your role and how you will be evaluated.
The responsibilities of the job you were hired for could change by the time you start work. Reach out to your manager about what may have changed, and make sure you have a clear understanding of your current role, responsibilities, and authority before you take on any projects.
3. Learn the business.
Before you can begin to contribute to an organization, you need to figure out how the company works. What are the business objectives? What’s the organizational makeup of the company? How does your company do business?
4. Interview your boss.
The key to being a successful new employee is helping your boss be successful. Find out what keeps your boss up at night and come up with creative ways to alleviate those worries.
5. Be ambitious, but have restraint.
You might be eager to start contributing right away and fixing everything wrong you see with the organization. That intention is good, but tread lightly. As a new hire, you won’t have the historical context about why a policy or process may or may not need fixing.
6. Be proactive about your onboarding.
One day of orientation and a meet and greet with your team may be the extent of your company’s onboarding program. If so, be proactive with your managers about their training plan and what you need to accomplish in your first three months on the job.
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Life is Like the Tour De France
The stages of Le Tour consist of 9 flat stages, 4 medium mountain stages (one with a summit finish), 5 mountain stages (two with a summit finish), 2 individual time trial stages, 1 prologue and 2 rest days. I watch not only for the sport and athleticism but because the Tour and it's stages teach many life lessons.
Focus. Professional cyclists focus on what they can control and leave the rest alone. They train, plan and perform yet there are many uncontrollable factors that can determine or change the outcome of any stage of their race. One rock, one crash in front of them or downpour of rain can change the outcome of any stage of the Tour. Smart riders don't focus on the things they can't control. These riders have the right training and mental toughness. They keep pedaling in confidence knowing they have done all they can to prepare for this moment in time.
Flat but moving.The flat stage is where many riders set a pace, keep the pace or roll along with the other riders. If we are in a flat stage of life, we might ask ourselves, what is my purpose? Am I making a difference? Where do I see myself in a few years? Do I have right tools and training? Some may even ask--what is the minimal amount of work I have to do to stay with the pack? During the flat stages there are often more questions than answers but strong cyclists keep pedaling. During a flat stage even if the riders don't appear to be making progress they gaining miles, getting stronger and still moving forward.
Ride with a Team. Whether at work, school or home we have to ride through life with others. During this stage we need people around us to encourage, support, provide a reality check and even a little tough love when necessary. Our team should challenge us to keep going and sometimes take the lead when we are tired. Who is riding alongside you in life? Who encourages or challenges you in a healthy way? Who lifts you up when everything seems to bring you down? Who changes your flat tires? You'll often see the lead riders rely heavily on their coaches or team mates for advice and strategy during the race. Even the strongest riders have caring, strong team mates who know how to help. It's smart to have good mentors, strategists and team mates.
Ride Alone. In the Tour, there are individual time trials. Time trials can be lonely but the rider must move as quickly as possible to get through them.This stage allows you to grow stronger in mind, body and spirit because it's just you and the road. Sometimes it can be painful to pedal so hard and fast. Hopefully during this stage you learn how to best use your time and resources. This stage requires focus and continuous movement toward your goals. This stage requires trust, stamina and knowing where to place your hands on the handlebars. Ride alone sometimes, you can. It will work with the right attitude and approach.
Mountains. The mountains are always challenging. This is where the deepest levels of strength, courage, faith and endurance are tested. Riders want to give up here. Especially when your hamstrings and quads are screaming for you to stop. The mountains demand consistency, determination and confidence before you reach the summit. In the mountain stage, fatigue is often the greatest enemy. In a job search or your career, this is where you feel you've talked to everyone, tried everything and nothing is happening. No interviews, no rejections, no promotions...nothing just a tough climb. Mental toughness matters in the mountains. You gain this toughness by digging deep and relying on something greater than yourself. You also gain this toughness by including those with opposing thoughts in your circle of influence. Do you listen to those who think differently or just those who will tell you what you want to hear? Do you make decisions based upon facts or fear? Do you allow yourself to be influenced by the opinions of others or do you stop trying because it's just too difficult? Stay strong. Build the muscles of wisdom, faith and endurance.
Rest. After ten days of racing, the Tour requires racers to rest from the physical and mental pressures. That's right, even these finely trained, highly fit and mentally tough athletes must rest. They take care of injuries and attempt to recover and retreat from the intensity of the race so they can continue on to the final stages. Do you take time to intentionally rest and renew? Never feel guilty about taking time away for yourself, it makes you a stronger rider. Get some rest...it's okay...she said, mainly to herself.
Timing. The Tour de France rider often wins or loses the yellow jersey based on mere seconds. Are you stressing about timing? Ask yourself, will this matter in 10 minutes, 10 months or 10 years? It might help you to find a better rhythm of life. The riders always keep their pace but they plan it well. Elite cyclists know there is always another stage coming up, requiring another adjustment. They hold a steady pace when necessary, pull back, surge forward or even sprint based on everything else going on around them. Pay attention to life's timing.
Who or what do you rely on to help you through the stages of your life? I hope you will prepare, avoid discouragement, renew and keep riding in this crazy race we call life. Move out with your team and sometimes it's okay to go it alone for those individual wins. Don't give up so easily, the yellow jersey may be closer than you think. I'll see you at the winner's podium! This is why I love Le Tour! It gives me hope.
Read more about the Tour de France , you'll see... it's a lot like life. Want to talk about this? Leave a comment below.
Rest. After ten days of racing, the Tour requires racers to rest from the physical and mental pressures. That's right, even these finely trained, highly fit and mentally tough athletes must rest. They take care of injuries and attempt to recover and retreat from the intensity of the race so they can continue on to the final stages. Do you take time to intentionally rest and renew? Never feel guilty about taking time away for yourself, it makes you a stronger rider. Get some rest...it's okay...she said, mainly to herself.
Timing. The Tour de France rider often wins or loses the yellow jersey based on mere seconds. Are you stressing about timing? Ask yourself, will this matter in 10 minutes, 10 months or 10 years? It might help you to find a better rhythm of life. The riders always keep their pace but they plan it well. Elite cyclists know there is always another stage coming up, requiring another adjustment. They hold a steady pace when necessary, pull back, surge forward or even sprint based on everything else going on around them. Pay attention to life's timing.
Who or what do you rely on to help you through the stages of your life? I hope you will prepare, avoid discouragement, renew and keep riding in this crazy race we call life. Move out with your team and sometimes it's okay to go it alone for those individual wins. Don't give up so easily, the yellow jersey may be closer than you think. I'll see you at the winner's podium! This is why I love Le Tour! It gives me hope.
Read more about the Tour de France , you'll see... it's a lot like life. Want to talk about this? Leave a comment below.
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Three Points to Plans and Decisions
Whenever I talk to students, colleagues, clients, friends or family about presenting, decision-making or planning, I often suggest using the three-point approach. Whether you are preparing to introduce a new idea, product or service, interviewing for your first job, changing careers or improving your current career, you need to have a plan to move forward with some level of certainty. That means having to make choices and then act on whatever you decide. It can be overwhelming and frightening. The best way to communicate or act on a decision is to keep it simple and manageable. To get started on developing your three points for discovery, decisions and planning; here are some categories to consider and questions to ask:
1) Assess your tools and resources. Do I have the tools and resources I need? For a job search, these tools include: an updated, professional resume, an effective social media/online presence, authentic interview skills and good advisors who are current on recruiting trends and well networked in your industry. Do I have an active network of family, friends and professional colleagues that I am fully engaging in career conversations? Have I shared my hopes and goals with those in my network? Have I practiced articulating my personal brand statement? Do I communicate clearly and concisely? Hint: There are wise people who want to help you develop these tools and skills. Find them, talk to them, listen to them and follow-through. We all need a support system.
2) Set goals. Have you set broad goals in key areas of life? Key areas include, but are not limited to: Spiritual, Family, Relationships, Health and of course, Career. Ask yourself: What do I want to accomplish in each of these key areas of life? Remember, keep it to no more than three things! What's my timetable? Are my goals SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achieveable, Realistic and Timely? Create action items, set dates, adjust the plan when necessary and write out the details. Keep track of how you're doing in a journal or online notebook. Hint: Review your goals regularly and share them with an accountability partner who will challenge and encourage you. Celebrate your successful milestones.
3) Look inside. What are those internal messages that hinder you? What are you afraid of? What family or financial pressures prevent you from doing what you really want to do? When and how can you change the pressures upon you? Do you have a realistic view of your job market and your profession/industry? How hard are you pursuing your passions? Do you believe you can make a living by doing your passion? Do you exercise regularly to release stress and maintain your stamina? What are you doing to renew your spirit and be encouraged? Remember, your plans and decisions may impact other people. Don't be selfish but don't use that as an excuse to do nothing. Hint: Surround yourself with positive, honest people. Do not fear those who challenge or disagree with you. We often learn much about ourselves in those moments of difficulty.
See how that works? I just used three points with important questions under each of them to write this post. I'm convinced that in seeking answers to good questions you often discover purpose or awaken a desire to move forward. Three points. It can work for so many things in life. There is no magic in using this approach. I am fortunate that I in my life and work, I have had the opportunity to help people reach inside, grab three goals, create action steps and take responsibility for moving forward. It's worked. I think it could work for you too.
What do you think about using the three point approach? Has it worked for you? Why or why not? I'd like to hear what you think. Leave your comments below.
1) Assess your tools and resources. Do I have the tools and resources I need? For a job search, these tools include: an updated, professional resume, an effective social media/online presence, authentic interview skills and good advisors who are current on recruiting trends and well networked in your industry. Do I have an active network of family, friends and professional colleagues that I am fully engaging in career conversations? Have I shared my hopes and goals with those in my network? Have I practiced articulating my personal brand statement? Do I communicate clearly and concisely? Hint: There are wise people who want to help you develop these tools and skills. Find them, talk to them, listen to them and follow-through. We all need a support system.
2) Set goals. Have you set broad goals in key areas of life? Key areas include, but are not limited to: Spiritual, Family, Relationships, Health and of course, Career. Ask yourself: What do I want to accomplish in each of these key areas of life? Remember, keep it to no more than three things! What's my timetable? Are my goals SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achieveable, Realistic and Timely? Create action items, set dates, adjust the plan when necessary and write out the details. Keep track of how you're doing in a journal or online notebook. Hint: Review your goals regularly and share them with an accountability partner who will challenge and encourage you. Celebrate your successful milestones.
3) Look inside. What are those internal messages that hinder you? What are you afraid of? What family or financial pressures prevent you from doing what you really want to do? When and how can you change the pressures upon you? Do you have a realistic view of your job market and your profession/industry? How hard are you pursuing your passions? Do you believe you can make a living by doing your passion? Do you exercise regularly to release stress and maintain your stamina? What are you doing to renew your spirit and be encouraged? Remember, your plans and decisions may impact other people. Don't be selfish but don't use that as an excuse to do nothing. Hint: Surround yourself with positive, honest people. Do not fear those who challenge or disagree with you. We often learn much about ourselves in those moments of difficulty.
See how that works? I just used three points with important questions under each of them to write this post. I'm convinced that in seeking answers to good questions you often discover purpose or awaken a desire to move forward. Three points. It can work for so many things in life. There is no magic in using this approach. I am fortunate that I in my life and work, I have had the opportunity to help people reach inside, grab three goals, create action steps and take responsibility for moving forward. It's worked. I think it could work for you too.
What do you think about using the three point approach? Has it worked for you? Why or why not? I'd like to hear what you think. Leave your comments below.
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Facing your Fears: What's your Gecko?
I originally posted this in 2010. Tonight, I encountered another gecko in my home. My reaction and results were much improved. Perhaps we CAN learn from our fears. Read more about my first reaction.
Recently, while at home alone I encountered a gecko? a lizard? or salamander? All I know is that it was a pale, pinkish, tan color and slithered. While sitting in front of the television, I noticed movement out of the corner of my eye. You know the feeling when you think you just saw something move but you're not sure? I looked away then returned my glance to see this 4-inch long lizard-like creature perched atop a picture frame. Being a city girl, I don't take kindly to God's creatures coming indoors. My thought is: I don't mess with them and they won't mess with me. Little did I know, an epic battle was about to begin.
As a person who typically springs into action during a crisis, I decided to take on this creature with a broom and a can of Raid Wasp and Hornet spray...don't laugh, this made sense in the moment. With my tools of combat firmly in hand, I slowly moved toward the creature perched atop the picture frame. I was already convinced the gecko was contemplating how to attack me while I was sleeping. I proceeded to spray the creature with a long full stream of Raid ( yes, Wasp and Hornet spray) and swat at it with the broom. This caused several framed prints to fall from the wall with the glass shattering as they crashed on the table directly beneath them. Now here's what I learned about chemicals and gecko-lizards.
Raid is like an energy drink to a gecko-lizard! Filled with the chemical, this creature moved up, down and across the wall in a random, quick, sporadic pace. This thing went wild scurrying behind a sofa then under the coffee table as I watched in shock and awe. In a perfectly timed response to its aimless dance, I began to swat frantically at where ever I thought this thing might consider going. I knocked over a lamp, a vase on the table, rolled up the area rug stomped on it, tossed pillows in the air and pulled furniture away from every wall spraying more Raid. After a few minutes of still not finding the gecko, I stood in the middle of the room in stunned silence observing my quickly created disaster. Streaks of Raid silently dripped down the walls, its quiet puddles bubbling on the wooden end tables. One table was on its side and shards of glass from the broken frames and the vase were scattered on a sofa and the carpet. The scent of chemicals in the Raid filled the air, stinging my nostrils. Yes, my home now looked like the crime scene without the yellow tape or a body. And still, I had not found the lizard. All of this in response to a little creature who was most likely lost and as afraid of me as I was of it.
The story could end here with me and the lizard finding a peaceful co-existence. But the next day, I left for a business trip. I slept fine in my hotel room. However, while I was away I dreamed the Geico gekco (you know the one from the commercials),was the deejay at a lizard house party in my home. He and his lizard friends were plotting on how they would attack me when I returned home. When I made it home, I could not sleep because I knew before I left I had never found the creature. I continued to fear its attack as it lurked in the dark corners of my home. Well, this week the saga continued.
After a Bible study with a few women from my church, I was walking the last guest to the door and there on the front door was the gecko-lizard creature! We both screamed like little school girls (her words) and once again I grabbed my broom in true Ninja warrior style. It scampered away into the darkness and my guest ran to her car. I decided I simply needed to get over this, because surely it was gone for good. Yet a few days later, after returning home from a relaxing dinner, I felt compelled to write about this incident as it related to life's fears and learning to trust God to handle our battles. Like a well-scripted actor taking his cue on stage, guess who shows up? I opened the front door and gecko-lizard falls from the top of the front door frame barely missing my shoulder. I ran into the kitchen and in another act of warrior bravery decided it was going to be me or him. I grabbed my trusty Ninja-broom-sword and ran to the front door. The lizard was still there. It slithered up and down the front door in confusion. I took the broom in both hands and drew it back to go in for the hit. WHACK! With all my force, I slammed it against the front door (thankfully the glass panes on the door did not shatter). I did not miss this time. The lizard fell to the floor, and I kept whacking until part of its tail broke off continuing to wriggle while the rest of the lizard lay lifeless on the hardwood floor.
Do I feel bad? Yes, a little, I never want to condone violence or harm God's creatures, but I really have been terrified of this thing. My lesson has been that sometimes God just wants us to face our fears and take action. Someone once said to me,"If He brings you to it, He will bring you through it." This had been my moment to step up or let fear dictate my every move in my home. What are you afraid of? Are you swatting frantically at life with no real plan? Are you using the right tools to address the fear? Are you afraid to take action? Whether it's starting a new job, leaving a bad relationship, committing to a fitness program, moving to a new city or sharing your faith. You too can face your gecko. How will you have the confidence to confront it? 1 Corinthians 2:3 says, "I was with you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling." Whatever fear you face, remember: God is always with us. Faith makes one fine pillow. Taking charge and making a decision to address my fear allows me to sleep soundly in a now gecko-free home.
Go now, face your gecko, uh, fear. Just remember to take your broom and a can of Raid.
What are your thoughts? Please click comment below and talk to me...I want to hear from you on how you face your fears in life.
Recently, while at home alone I encountered a gecko? a lizard? or salamander? All I know is that it was a pale, pinkish, tan color and slithered. While sitting in front of the television, I noticed movement out of the corner of my eye. You know the feeling when you think you just saw something move but you're not sure? I looked away then returned my glance to see this 4-inch long lizard-like creature perched atop a picture frame. Being a city girl, I don't take kindly to God's creatures coming indoors. My thought is: I don't mess with them and they won't mess with me. Little did I know, an epic battle was about to begin.
As a person who typically springs into action during a crisis, I decided to take on this creature with a broom and a can of Raid Wasp and Hornet spray...don't laugh, this made sense in the moment. With my tools of combat firmly in hand, I slowly moved toward the creature perched atop the picture frame. I was already convinced the gecko was contemplating how to attack me while I was sleeping. I proceeded to spray the creature with a long full stream of Raid ( yes, Wasp and Hornet spray) and swat at it with the broom. This caused several framed prints to fall from the wall with the glass shattering as they crashed on the table directly beneath them. Now here's what I learned about chemicals and gecko-lizards.
Raid is like an energy drink to a gecko-lizard! Filled with the chemical, this creature moved up, down and across the wall in a random, quick, sporadic pace. This thing went wild scurrying behind a sofa then under the coffee table as I watched in shock and awe. In a perfectly timed response to its aimless dance, I began to swat frantically at where ever I thought this thing might consider going. I knocked over a lamp, a vase on the table, rolled up the area rug stomped on it, tossed pillows in the air and pulled furniture away from every wall spraying more Raid. After a few minutes of still not finding the gecko, I stood in the middle of the room in stunned silence observing my quickly created disaster. Streaks of Raid silently dripped down the walls, its quiet puddles bubbling on the wooden end tables. One table was on its side and shards of glass from the broken frames and the vase were scattered on a sofa and the carpet. The scent of chemicals in the Raid filled the air, stinging my nostrils. Yes, my home now looked like the crime scene without the yellow tape or a body. And still, I had not found the lizard. All of this in response to a little creature who was most likely lost and as afraid of me as I was of it.
The story could end here with me and the lizard finding a peaceful co-existence. But the next day, I left for a business trip. I slept fine in my hotel room. However, while I was away I dreamed the Geico gekco (you know the one from the commercials),was the deejay at a lizard house party in my home. He and his lizard friends were plotting on how they would attack me when I returned home. When I made it home, I could not sleep because I knew before I left I had never found the creature. I continued to fear its attack as it lurked in the dark corners of my home. Well, this week the saga continued.
After a Bible study with a few women from my church, I was walking the last guest to the door and there on the front door was the gecko-lizard creature! We both screamed like little school girls (her words) and once again I grabbed my broom in true Ninja warrior style. It scampered away into the darkness and my guest ran to her car. I decided I simply needed to get over this, because surely it was gone for good. Yet a few days later, after returning home from a relaxing dinner, I felt compelled to write about this incident as it related to life's fears and learning to trust God to handle our battles. Like a well-scripted actor taking his cue on stage, guess who shows up? I opened the front door and gecko-lizard falls from the top of the front door frame barely missing my shoulder. I ran into the kitchen and in another act of warrior bravery decided it was going to be me or him. I grabbed my trusty Ninja-broom-sword and ran to the front door. The lizard was still there. It slithered up and down the front door in confusion. I took the broom in both hands and drew it back to go in for the hit. WHACK! With all my force, I slammed it against the front door (thankfully the glass panes on the door did not shatter). I did not miss this time. The lizard fell to the floor, and I kept whacking until part of its tail broke off continuing to wriggle while the rest of the lizard lay lifeless on the hardwood floor.
Do I feel bad? Yes, a little, I never want to condone violence or harm God's creatures, but I really have been terrified of this thing. My lesson has been that sometimes God just wants us to face our fears and take action. Someone once said to me,"If He brings you to it, He will bring you through it." This had been my moment to step up or let fear dictate my every move in my home. What are you afraid of? Are you swatting frantically at life with no real plan? Are you using the right tools to address the fear? Are you afraid to take action? Whether it's starting a new job, leaving a bad relationship, committing to a fitness program, moving to a new city or sharing your faith. You too can face your gecko. How will you have the confidence to confront it? 1 Corinthians 2:3 says, "I was with you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling." Whatever fear you face, remember: God is always with us. Faith makes one fine pillow. Taking charge and making a decision to address my fear allows me to sleep soundly in a now gecko-free home.
Go now, face your gecko, uh, fear. Just remember to take your broom and a can of Raid.
What are your thoughts? Please click comment below and talk to me...I want to hear from you on how you face your fears in life.
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