Foundations of Success: Mastering Your First Few Weeks in a New Tech Role
Embarking on a new job is an exhilarating yet daunting experience. Those initial weeks lay the groundwork for a journey that can be both successful and meaningful. During a recent mentoring session with someone about to step into a new individual contributor tech role, they asked me:
How does one set the stage for success right from the start?
After our session, I realized the insights I had given them could be helpful to a broader audience. That's why I decided to write this article. Its purpose goes beyond the basics of making a good first impression. Based on my personal experiences - successes and challenges - I aim to give you strategies that will help you make an impressive introduction but also help you build trust with your colleagues and set yourself up for a successful career.
Be a Learning Sponge
In the initial two weeks, prioritize learning over everything else. Immerse yourself in understanding the technology, processes, business operations, and company culture. This is your opportunity to absorb as much information as possible before the demands of daily tasks and meetings intensify.
During my first day at D2L, I was thrown into quarterly product planning meetings. I felt like a fish out of water. I didn’t know the product, never mind how the organization worked or what was important. I dedicated my evenings to training on the learning platform we were developing to get my bearings. This allowed me to quickly grasp the technology and actively participate in meetings within days.
Understand the System Architecture
Take the initiative to comprehend the architecture of the systems you’ll work with. Find or create visual aids like architecture diagrams to grasp the bigger picture. This proactive approach showcases your commitment and provides a tangible representation of your efforts, earning you early recognition from colleagues and supervisors.
In my previous job, I had hands-on experience with coding before transitioning to a managerial role. However, when I took on a new position at a company where I didn't have prior coding experience, I realized that it put me at a disadvantage. I spoke with the developers to bridge this gap and created an architecture diagram. This helped me to understand the system better, and I also started building trust with the developers on my team. I found that developers enjoy discussing what they've built, why they built it, and its importance. Seeking their knowledge early on shows that you value them.
When my boss saw the diagram on my office wall, they were impressed and asked me where it came from. I told them I created it to help me better visualize and understand the architecture. This action showcased my dedication to learning and adapting. During the first few weeks at a new job, there is no better strategy than immersing yourself in understanding the company's people, tools, and products.
Build a Foundation of Respect
Incorporate a mindset of humility and curiosity. Avoid the temptation to suggest changes based on your previous experiences. Instead, build rapport by getting to know your team and how they operate. Respect is earned through understanding and collaboration rather than asserting your opinions.
My first full-time job was at BlackBerry, where I worked for eight years. In my next job, I often talked about how things used to be done at BlackBerry and why they were important. One day, someone advised me that if I continued to talk about BlackBerry and its methods, I would only isolate myself from the team. They reminded me that this was a different company with different practices. Learning about their ways and gradually using my experience to improve them rather than trying to impose BlackBerry's ways was essential. I took that advice to heart and applied it to any new job I started after that. This change in approach led to a significant improvement in my work relationships.
Connect with People
Developing strong professional relationships is crucial for achieving career success. To accomplish this, networking and making connections within your organization is essential. Taking an active approach in these interactions is vital, such as initiating coffee or lunch meetings and participating in office gatherings.
This is not merely about letting connections happen passively but intentionally fostering relationships. By doing so, you gain a broader understanding of the company’s intricacies and delve into your colleagues’ diverse roles, skills, aspirations, and responsibilities, which offer invaluable insights into the organization’s overall functioning. Actively participating in meetings, initiating casual conversations, and reaching out to colleagues from different departments are all important steps in this process.
Moreover, building robust relationships establishes a foundation for future collaborations. A strong network facilitates seamless project teamwork, encourages exchanging ideas and insights, and ensures mutual support when needed. Taking charge of these interactions contributes to your career advancement, achieving organizational goals, and positively impacting your professional sphere. It sets you up for future success as people often bring their previous colleagues to new companies.
Hold Off on Unsolicited Suggestions
While your wealth of past experiences holds significant value, resisting the temptation of offering unsolicited opinions during your initial weeks is crucial. The primary objective in this phase is to absorb knowledge and understand the existing dynamics rather than imposing your ideas prematurely. My advice is to exercise patience, allowing time to build trust and gain a solid understanding of the organization before venturing into making substantial suggestions.
I’ve witnessed firsthand the detrimental effects of new leaders neglecting this principle, resulting in a significant decline in morale within just six months of their arrival. The key to avoiding such pitfalls is understanding the existing practices and why they are in place before introducing new ideas. Collaboration and a collective approach, addressing major issues within the context of the team, lead to more effective improvements. It’s a process that fosters genuine integration of new ideas rather than forcing unfamiliar strategies onto the team, ultimately ensuring a smoother and more successful transition.
Focus on Thoughtful Contributions
As you progress beyond the initial weeks, begin incorporating your insights into discussions. However, ensure your suggestions are well-thought-out, considerate of the existing processes, and aligned with the organization's goals. Your colleagues will appreciate your contributions more when they see that you’ve taken the time to understand the nuances of their workflow.
Remember, they’ve brought you on board for your knowledge, expertise, and skills, expecting you to bring fresh ideas. The true key to success lies not just in presenting new ideas but in how adeptly you deliver and integrate them into the existing fabric of the organization.
Take Care of Yourself
Starting a new job can be an exciting and life-changing experience, but it can also be stressful and exhausting physically and mentally. During the first three months, it is important to keep things simple in your personal life and avoid taking on any new activities that might add to your workload.
You should be prepared to feel tired and drained during the early weeks when you get home as your body and mind adjust to the new routine. Making even a simple meal is a significant accomplishment during this time, as it can be challenging to find the energy to do anything outside of work.
If you can only grab some pizza and watch Netflix, especially in the first week, that's perfectly fine. Remember to be kind to yourself and take things at your own pace. You are pushing yourself professionally, and it's okay not to push yourself too hard personally at the same time.
Final Thoughts
In the first few weeks of starting a new job, you have a unique opportunity to establish yourself in the company and set the tone for your future there. It's important to approach this time by focusing on learning and understanding the company's systems and building positive relationships with your colleagues. Doing so can impress your leader, gain a deeper understanding of your role, and smoothly integrate into the professional environment.
Remember that your success in this new role isn't just about what you know - it's also about how well you adapt and collaborate with your coworkers. With a proactive mindset and a willingness to learn, you can make the most of this exciting opportunity and thrive in your new position. Good luck!
