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In the first two weeks, make a concerted
effort to get to know four new people. You
may be tempted to be scarce and hide within your
cubicle, hoping no one will notice you. Don't.
Perhaps 95 percent of firings are the result of
people not fitting into the culture. This has
nothing to do with job performance. The more
you're accepted within the organization, the
greater chance you will have to succeed. Look
for team members, dealmakers and mentors.
Set up a meeting with your boss within
the first 30 days to assess how you are
doing. Mayor Koch, former mayor of New
York City, was fond of asking his
constituents how he was doing throughout his
tenure. Don't wait for your boss to talk to
you. Be proactive and ask for a meeting to
assess your progress. Your boss will be
impressed with your concern, and you may
identify issues before they get out of hand.
Write a new job description to
realistically reflect your job. There may be
a gulf between what you were hired to do and
what you actually do from day-to-day. This could
lay the basis of an opportunity to upgrade your
position and increase your salary, if you are
actually adding greater value. It could also
raise some alarm bells if you are consistently
involved with work well below your capacity. Nip
this in the bud early.
Accomplish something worthwhile.
Identify a project that you can put your
personal stamp on. Demonstrate your capacity to
add value immediately. This project may be
something particular to your department but
might also encompass a greater territory.
Include those you have been courting at luncheon
networking meetings, as you continue to reach
out to others within the organization and build
relationships.
Look for ways to collaborate with others.
Who are the others around you who get things
done? How can your synergy extend your
capacities so that you are viewed as
indispensable?
Keep up-to-date with the competition.
Be sure to know what's happening around you.
Extend your network to professional
organizations in your field, trade magazines and
the Internet. Don't be one of the last to learn
what's happening. Develop a reputation of always
being in the know. Extend your radar.
Identify ways to shine. What are the
values of your organization? If your
organization recognizes those who contribute to
the community, look for ways to serve. Make your
company proud to say you work there.
Find ways to outperform yourself.
See everyone around you as customers - both
internal and external. Make a point of
over-responding to any request.
Lead a balanced life. Get a decent
amount of sleep, and find recreational outlets.
Pace yourself so that you don't burn out. You'll
return to work each day refreshed and ready to
contribute.
Set goals for the future. See yourself
working at this organization several years down
the road. Look for ways to contribute or
initiate future projects. Assume that you will
continue on. Make this a self-fulfilling
prophecy.
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