Take a strategic approach to your new role
Category: Tips and Advice
Publish date: 02/09/2022
Your first 90 days in a new role is a period of time where you need to absorb lots of information and settle in. It's perfectly normal to feel as if you lack knowledge of the culture, processes and priorities of the organisation - all of which will come in time. But what you can do to help move your onboarding process along is define a clear and structured approach to your first 90 days - ensuring you can start bringing value to your team, showcasing the skills and experience developed during your time in Service, and contributing to the success of the organisation.
1. Before you start Look at your new employers’ company page on LinkedIn and connect with colleagues who already work in the team you are joining. Other new starters who have done so, say they really benefited from new colleagues already knowing who they were and it helped to build their network more quickly.
2. Be inquisitive Ask questions, listen to conversations and learn about the company. The first 90 days is your opportunity to gather information about the people and processes, while familiarising yourself with the organisational culture. You'll also want to clarify expectations and agree the detailed parameters and priorities of your new role with your line manager (and others as appropriate).
3. Build your network Introduce yourself and establish relationships with your colleagues. Use your 30 second commercial and begin building your network by meeting new people throughout your onboarding process. Many forces friendly employers will have internal networks/groups made up of fellow Service leavers, meaning you’ll immediately be able to connect with some of your new colleagues. You'll also want to have frequent catch-ups with your line manager/direct reports, and get to know any other key colleagues or stakeholders that will help you settle into your new role more effectively.
4. Identify quick wins Focus on solutions to problems and begin to create value. Quick wins will enhance your credibility and showcase your skills and expertise. Think about what you were recruited to achieve, and ensure you look at the business-critical issues linked to key strategic targets that align with the expectations of your role. But remember, regardless of what level you enter the business at you're still new to the role, so don't try to take on too much all at once.
5. Pursue mentoring opportunities It’s always a great idea to develop your performance and awareness through a mentoring relationship. Seek out someone who will act as a sounding board, offer ideas or guidance and provide honest feedback and challenge. A successful mentoring relationship is non-directive, challenging, supportive and brings benefits to both you and the organisation. Some organisations provide mentoring schemes for their employees but often, the more senior you are, the less likely it is that you will have one allocated; so you may need to be proactive and seek out a suitable person.
Transitioning from the military to civilian employment can sometimes feel overwhelming. So it’s important that you give yourself the necessary time to adjust to new surroundings and people. Taking a structured approach to your first 90 days, defined prior to starting your new role, will help ensure you enjoy a more successful onboarding process.
Further resources are available, like our Moving forward into your new role webinar and a resettlement guide available on the CTP website to support you with this part of the transition process. And remember, even once you’ve started your new role, your CTP Career Consultant will still be on-hand to answer any questions and offer advice whenever you need them.