Written by Partner Craig Howells
Embarking on a new job is a significant leap, one I recently experienced as I transitioned from a long-standing role to a new position at GRG Executive Search. Like many Contractors and candidates we work with, I left a familiar environment where I was comfortable and well-known for a new role with a competitor. Despite having a preconceived notion of what to expect, nothing truly prepares you for the reality of starting afresh.
In this blog, I will share the advice I have given to countless new hires over the years and reflect on how applying this knowledge to my transition helped me settle into my new role.
1) Meet with your manager and team beforehand
If possible, arrange a meeting with your new manager and team before your official start date. While sometimes logistically challenging, this step can alleviate any lingering doubts or second thoughts about leaving your previous role. It is a chance to connect on a personal level beyond the interview room and get a feel for the team dynamics and upcoming agenda.
Scheduling was challenging during my gardening leave, due to my new boss’s demanding calendar, a pitfall of joining a successful and busy business. Nevertheless, we were able to arrange a pre-start lunch, which was invaluable. We discussed the upcoming months and client events, leaving me feeling optimistic and excited about joining GRG Executive Search.
2) Start your new job well-rested
Starting a new job well-rested is crucial. This can be tough for those transitioning between contracts or finishing notice periods. According to Matthew Walker’s book ‘Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams’, rest is essential for cognitive performance, decision-making, and emotional resilience when starting a new role. Being well-rested ensures that you can effectively tackle new challenges and adapt to change.
However, getting enough rest and sleep isn’t always easy due to the demands of busy home lives, especially for those with young families or, like me, a busy four year old and new born baby. This is where mindfulness and meditation can be helpful. Some scholars suggest that 20 minutes of mindfulness practice can be equivalent to 4-5 hours of deep sleep. Utilising your 20-minute train commute or lunch break for this purpose, you could provide yourself with a much-needed rest. You could use apps like Headspace or Calm for guidance.
3) Do not put too much pressure on yourself
This is easier said than done, especially for high performing, challenging, or complex roles. I was fortunate to have a supportive boss who reminded me of this. Internally, I felt the pressure to prove my worth immediately. My advice is to manage your expectations and remember that it takes time to settle in. You were hired because the company believes in your abilities.
Excessive self-pressure can lead to burnout, as noted in the book The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook: A Proven Way to Accept Yourself, Build Inner Strength, and Thrive, which emphasises the importance of self-compassion and gradual adjustment in new roles.
Finding an executive coach or mentor can provide a safe space for growth conversations, help you gain perspective on situations, and address personal areas that may hinder your potential in your new role.
4) Understand the office culture
Office culture can differ significantly from what you anticipate. Integrate yourself by meeting team members and by observing behaviour and decision-making processes. When I joined GRG Executive Search, I had to adjust to a different rhythm of interaction with the team.
Initially, the reduced level of daily contact with colleagues felt daunting compared to my previous role. However, I soon learnt that the emphasis was on quality information sharing rather than frequent and often inefficient meetings. I quickly found that the weekly in-depth updates and ad hoc catchups became more valuable for maintaining effective communication.
5) Achieve quick wins
Securing early success can build confidence and credibility. I managed to place three roles in my first two weeks, which significantly boosted my confidence. Harvard Business School professor John J. Gabarro highlights that quick wins can demonstrate competence, build trust, and set a positive tone for future achievements. So why not establish three achievable goals for your first few months? They should be meaningful to your new role, not necessarily big or grand.
6) Build relationships
Existing knowledge and reputation can be advantageous, especially in relation to establishing trust and relationships. When you start a new role, you need to build these relationships from scratch. Understanding how your new colleagues work, their personality preferences and what they need can accelerate this process. Coming from a larger, more bureaucratic environment, I had to adapt to a more streamlined decision-making process in my new role. Building relationships and understanding the dynamics were crucial for effective change management.
7) Clarify expectations
Establish clear goals and expectations with both your manager and team members. Creating a 30-60-90 day plan can help align objectives and identify any potential mismatches early on. As former England Rugby Union Coach Eddie Jones notes, clear goals are essential for team cohesion and performance. Ensuring everyone understands their roles and the collective objectives fosters a unified effort.
8) Listen and ask questions
While it is tempting to assert your vision early on, listening and observing first can be more productive. Understand the logic behind existing procedures and identify any roadblocks. Ed Batista, author of The Art of Self-Coaching, emphasises that asking the right questions is crucial for effective leadership. It helps uncover underlying issues and fosters collaboration.
9) Ask for feedback
Regular feedback helps you gauge how others perceive your performance. It is essential to seek feedback from all levels—upwards, downwards and sideways. For instance, after a less-than-perfect client meeting, I asked for feedback from my boss and discovered simple yet effective improvements. As discussed by Stone and Heen in the book ‘Thanks for the Feedback: The Science and Art of Receiving Feedback Well’, proactively seeking feedback can provide valuable insights and improve your performance.
Starting a new job can be daunting, as I recently experienced moving to GRG Executive Search. Despite my recruitment background and knowledge of guiding candidates in starting a new role, the transition was challenging but it was also exciting.
So, set up a meeting with your new manager and team before starting to ease any doubts and understand team dynamics. Begin well-rested and, where possible, avoid excessive self-pressure; it takes time to settle in. Learn the office culture, secure quick wins for confidence, build relationships, clarify expectations with a business plan, listen and ask questions, and seek regular feedback. These strategies helped me adjust smoothly and can assist you or someone you know with a similar career move or transition.
Discover more advice and insights from our GRG Executive Search team on our website. Read our Divisional Managing Director Daniel Yates advice on making the transition to a Non-Executive Director, or explore whether the move from permanent to interim leadership is right for you.