YOUR FIRST 100 DAYS: BULLETPROOF YOURSELF

The interviews are over. You got the job. The anxiety and stress of not knowing whether it was going to happen or not has settled.

As you prepare to start your new job, you wonder if you made the right decision. Some degree of buyer’s remorse sets in when making major decisions in life. You recommit to your decision, take a deep breath and get ready to start your job.

Your most important priority is to focus on your first 100 days. When we elect a new U.S. President, he is expected to deliver on campaign promises during the first 100 days in office. You may not be a president, but as a new employee, your new boss will expect you to deliver tangible results in the same time frame. These early days can set the tone for your success or failure. The following advice will help you understand what needs to be accomplished.

1. ESTABLISH YOURSELF
Arrive early and leave late. Don’t stretch your lunch hour just because others do it. Become a sponge and soak up every possible piece of information about the company. Find out the real world management style of your immediate boss. Always remember that jobs end at 5:00pm, careers don’t. Don’t brag about prior accomplishments at your old company. Don’t set unrealistic expectations between you and your boss. Instead, set reasonable goals that you both feel are attainable. Try to under promise and over deliver.

2. GAIN MOMENTUM
Get in sync as soon as possible. This is not the time to lay back to see who the players are. Participate in all meetings. Do not be late or preoccupied if the meeting runs overtime. You must find ways to contribute with new ideas and information. Early success carries a higher value if you accomplish it now, rather than a year later.

3. PLAY HURT
Playing hurt is a sports term for a commitment to win. You must be there every day. Face-time is your leading goal each day. Unless you’re injured or seriously ill, do not take any sick days. Feeling exhausted or overworked because of your new workload and learning curve is not a valid reason to take a sick day during your first 100 days. Your attitude should be to play hurt because you are being evaluated every day and early misconceptions can linger. Do not take any vacation days, unless pre-approved before accepting the job offer. Your mom coming to town is not a big enough event to take a vacation day. When your employer feels you are giving 100 percent, opportunities and your credibility will be enhanced.

[QUICK TIP:] There are always old rivalries and existing political conflicts unknown to new employees. Don’t get locked into taking anyone’s side. Avoid gossip. Resist making new friends until you understand the political landscape. Avoid taking lunch with the same person each day because they may be a marginal employee.