Starting Your New Job The Right Way

Starting a new job can be nerve-wracking. You want to get started in the most positive way. Here are some simple tips to help you take those first steps:

TAKE TIME TO SETTLE IN: The urge to change the world the first week can be very compelling. There's an expected "ramp-up" time for new employees as they get the lay of the land. Get to know the corporate culture, key people, company politics, the nuances of how to get things done and how to have your immediate impact produce long-term results.

PROJECT A POSITIVE CHEERFUL ATTITUDE. Be positive, upbeat, and smile. Say "Good Morning" - it really can make a difference. Be a collaborative team member who brings ideas and solutions, not just problems to the table. Be open to other people's suggestions, give credit where it's due and be appreciative of offered assistance.

BE A CLASS ACT. Be ethical, trustworthy and professional. Basic manners go a long way. Stay away from office gossip and crude language. Keep your personal issues out of the business setting. And remember that the people you associate with can have a significant impact on how you're perceived. Choose wisely.

DO THE JOB YOU WERE HIRED TO DO. Become a valued employee by learning your job well, discover how the job fits into the scheme of things and how your contribution can expand to serve other areas and advance your position as well.

DEVELOP THE INFORMATION PIPELINE. Keep up to date on projects, deadlines and issues so you are on target with your responsibilities. Make sure you and your manager are on the same page when it comes to expectations and deliverables. Inform your manager about anything, good or bad, that affects the project and the courses of action under consideration. Make sure you are the one relating the news rather than the rumor-mill.

SPEAK UP, NOT OUT. Ask questions to clarify not criticize. Observe so you have a better understanding of processes and procedures. Submit multiple options for solutions to your manager and work together to establish a plan to implement the changes. With the rapport established, the value you bring to the company will become clear and you'll have more latitude to present your ideas in an open forum and take more independent action.

Now, take an active role in getting ready up for your first performance review by keeping a log of your contributions, suggestions, projects and anything else that will highlight your accomplishments during the review period. Presenting your self-evaluation to your manager provides important input about your achievements that your manager may not have remembered. Reminding your manager of your accomplishments shows you care about the impact and value of your work and your commitment to making a difference - right from the start!