Transitioning to a New Role

You’re excited. You’ve worked hard and you’re ready for the next challenge! Your reward is a promotion or lateral transfer into a new department, maybe working for a different boss. Now what? How do you make the transition easy and successful? 

Honeymoon Period. Even though you’ve been with the company for a while, there will still be a honeymoon period while you learn how to work with your new co-workers, boss and clients. You will hit a wall if you don’t take the time to learn their way first! Make time to meet with your boss, even if it’s the same one, as soon as you start in your new position.  Clarify from your boss’s standpoint what it will take to be successful in 30-60-90 days. Meet with co-workers at the office, go out to lunch or take breaks with them.  While there may be technical jargon and systems to learn, your success will be determined largely by your people savvy.

Don’t forget your former co-workers. Keep in touch. You never know when they can be a fast and easy resource to help resolve issues. It pays to not burn bridges.

Demonstrate your abilities slowly. You will demonstrate your abilities faster by listening more than talking! 99% of the information you need to be successful is in other people’s heads. Remember, they know their job and most probably think they know yours, too. You’re still learning. Don’t move too fast in resolving issues that appear to be “no-brainers.” These may be sacred cows that can quickly halt your success. Keep your opinions objective. Limit how often you share them until after you’ve proven yourself on the job.

©Jeannette Seibly, 2011