Congrats! You got the job! The first 6 months is make or break time in a new job so make sure they count.
- Start learning during the interview process. Why are they hiring for this position? What happened before? What will it take to succeed? What are the expectations for the person coming into this position? Can you talk to a friend that is also a customer? How about researching the competition? You don’t have the pressures of the job yet so now is the time to get up to speed as much as you can.
- Once in place continue to ask lots of questions. Talk to everyone, keep an open mind and listen. Look for trends amongst multiple people. Don't assume anything, feel free to ask: what is the ROI? or why is this so complex?
- Make sure you listen to those who don’t agree with you. Do you truly understand what they are trying to say?
- Once you have identified the issues, start prioritizing: you can’t change everything all at once. And make sure you have some quick wins on your list: including making your team members job easier / better and your managers job easier / better. Nothing succeeds like success...
- Understand that change is scary to some (most?) people and YOU are an unknown. You are the new guy.
- Be open to others ideas and suggestions. Be flexible. Use an inclusive decision style.
- Do you have the right lieutenants in place? Are you getting the right guidance and feedback? Success is so much easier when you have brilliant, hardworking people around you as well as a good mentor to guide you through the history and politics.
- Don't get caught up in busy non-productive work. Attending meetings and answering e-mail may feel productive (and is so satisfying to check off your list), but is it really the best use of your time?
- Move quickly, this is your honeymoon, you probably won't be given this chance again.
- Communicate, communicate, communicate: both up and down the ladder. And make sure your audience understands your message.
