Start Strong: A Guide to Your First 90 Days
Starting a new job is a mix of excitement and anxiety. With that comes a wave of questions: "How do I prove I’m the right person for the job?" "How do I connect with my new boss and colleagues?" "How can I make a meaningful impact from day one?"
You want to make a great first impression, but the pressure to perform can be overwhelming. The good news is that you don't have to have it all figured out. Instead of focusing on the "perfect performance," you can ground yourself in a few powerful mindsets that will guide your actions and help you build a strong foundation authentically.
Let's explore three intentional ways to think about presenting yourself in your new role.
Mindset 1: Be the Relationship Architect
Before you think about what you will do, think about who you want to be for your new colleagues. Your initial interactions are the foundation for your future success and fulfillment. Instead of leaving these relationships to chance, you can consciously design them.
Start by asking yourself: "What kind of relationship do I want to build with my colleagues and my boss?" Do you want to be seen as the supportive collaborator? The reliable expert? The creative innovator? Getting clear on this helps guide your communication style from the very first "hello."
Then, shift your perspective outward: This is where true connection happens. Put yourself in their shoes and ask:
What does my boss need right now? What pressures are they under? How can my role make their job easier?
What do my colleagues need from a teammate? Are they looking for someone to help with a specific challenge? Are they hoping for a fresh perspective?
By focusing first on the needs of others and the kind of trusting relationships you want to build, your actions will naturally follow.
Mindset 2: Be the Purposeful Contributor
While relationships are key, you were also hired to achieve specific outcomes. Being intentional about your goals from the beginning gives you a clear direction and helps you focus your energy where it matters most. This is about connecting your daily tasks to a bigger picture.
Start with your own definition of success: "What do I truly want to achieve in this role?" Look beyond the job description.
Do you want to learn a new skill?
Do you want to lead a significant project?
Do you want to help the team become more efficient or innovative?
Having this clarity is crucial. It’s the difference between being busy and being effective. When you know what you want to achieve, you can proactively seek out opportunities that align with that vision. You can communicate your ambitions to your boss and ask for their support in reaching them.
Mindset 3: Connect with Your Inner Leader
When you're in a new, high-pressure situation, it's easy for the voice of your "Inner Saboteur" to get loud. The Judge might tell you you're not qualified, or the Pleaser might push you to say "yes" to everything. This is when you need to consciously call on a different voice: your Inner Leader.
Your Inner Leader is the part of you that is confident, calm, and knows your value. It’s the voice of your strengths and intuition.
Before walking into a meeting or tackling a new project, take a moment to connect with this inner wisdom through asking yourself:
"What would my wisest self do in this situation?"
"What strength can I lean on to handle this?"
By calling on your Inner Leader, you ground yourself in confidence and authenticity. This allows you to act from a place of strength, helping you navigate challenges, build genuine rapport with colleagues, and truly showcase your best self.
How Coaching Can Help You Start Strong
Putting these mindsets into practice while managing the stress of a new job can be tough. A coach acts as your dedicated partner to:
Clarify Your Vision: Through powerful questions, a coach can help you clearly define the relationships and achievements you want to build.
Navigate a New Culture: A coach provides an objective sounding board to help you understand team dynamics and your boss's expectations.
Amplify Your Inner Leader: We work together to identify and quiet your Saboteurs, helping you consistently access your inner wisdom and confidence.
Moving Forward
Your first few months set the tone for your entire experience. By focusing on being a Relationship Architect, a Purposeful Contributor, and connecting with your Inner Leader, you're not just starting a new job—you're consciously designing a more fulfilling career chapter.
If you're starting a new role and want a partner to help you navigate the journey with confidence, let's connect. Book a complimentary consultation today, and let’s design your strategy for success.
