How to be successful in your new role

Did you just get a promotion or a new job? I’ve spent over 20 years in corporate America, and as a project-based contributor, I’ve had more than a dozen new jobs. Based on my experience, there are three key ingredients that you need to be successful in your new role.

1. Be successful in your new role by cracking the job description

The first step to being successful in your new role is to carefully examine the job description.

Even if it’s lengthy or overwhelming, each bullet point in the description serves as a valuable test. Furthermore, it assesses your awareness of the role, as well as the required skills, tools, and qualifications.

Conduct a quick self-assessment

Do a self-assessment of your qualifications in each area, rating yourself on a scale of one to five. Then create a column next to it and rate yourself in terms of your ‘confidence’ in fulfilling those requirements.

So, make a list of actions you can regularly take to ensure your success in each area. These actions can include tasks that contribute to your success.

They also encompass activities that validate your effective management of specific aspects of the role.

For instance, you might consider creating reports, dashboards, or checklists to keep track of your responsibilities.

Keep in mind that these lists don’t need to be extensive; a few bullet points is enough.

Take on your new role with confidence

Remember, you were chosen for the job because you’re qualified for it. The hiring team believes in your ability to excel.

Therefore, you should find this exercise relatively simple.

It may take some time due to the volume of content, but the answers will come easily. You’ll notice a significant overlap between the various line items in the job description and the work you’ll be doing to fulfill your role and be successful.

In essence, by carrying out this exercise, you’ll gain a better understanding of your capabilities and recognize the activities you naturally undertake that cover approximately 70% of the job description.

Additionally, you’ll identify the few additional tasks, regular conversations, meetings, or activities needed to address the remaining outliers.

These outliers are often the items mentioned on a quarterly, semi-annual, or annual basis — which can catch you by surprise if you haven’t been actively considering them. This is because our daily focus tends to revolve around more immediate matters and is often prompted by incoming calls, chat threads, interruptions, or emails.

Your number one priority is to fully comprehend your role and develop a clear understanding of how you’ll accomplish it. Determine the necessary actions, activities, tools, and resources required to succeed in your role.

This will help position you for a successful journey in your new job.

2. Be successful in your new role by putting plans into motion

The second step to becoming successful in your new role is to implement all the actions and activities you listed in the previous step.

Some of these will involve regular checkpoints with employees, customers, or your boss.

Some people create spreadsheets to track and validate your weekly progress. Others develop dashboards and kanban boards, use tools like Jira, or generate reports to assess overall advancement.

By initiating these tasks, reports, and visualizations, you establish a framework for your daily and weekly routines.

Additionally, it’s crucial to schedule time for running reports, reviewing activities, and conducting due diligence to ensure you’re on track. Coordinate activities and include checkpoints with your boss and collaborators on your calendar.

Manage both scheduled tasks and assignments from others to establish a solid work-life structure and position yourself to be successful in your new role.

Moreover, demonstrating your accomplishments to your boss, their superiors, HR, or a relevant stakeholder can enhance your professional standing. Consistently executing outlined tasks proves qualifications for raises, promotions, bonuses, or securing positions during layoffs.

Your proactive approach and the tangible results you achieve will showcase your capabilities and commitment to success.

Follow these steps and implement your action plan to be successful in your new role and showcase achievements to key decision-makers.

3. Be successful in your new role by identifying accountability

The third step to a successful outcome in your new role is to identify the individuals to whom you are accountable. Take into consideration your immediate team, other peers in your role, and bosses.

In most modern matrix organizations, there are multiple individuals who influence your activities and role. It’s important to understand and maintain these relationships and ensure successful collaboration with your colleagues. Stay connected with individuals you interact with less by scheduling regular meetings or check-ins.

Even monthly meetings can help maintain alignment and stay updated on your respective thoughts and priorities.

This proactive approach will help foster open communication, mutual understanding, and improve your ability to sustain these relationships.

Expand your network by actively engaging with new individuals who are relevant to your work. Seek out opportunities to connect with them.

You can do this through participation in relevant calls, involvement in shared projects, or joint initiatives.

You never know who might have an impact on your success or how your team perceives your contributions.

By following these steps, you will set yourself up for a successful experience in your new role.

Do you need more help? I am here for you

If you would like further assistance in this area, I am here to help.

I enjoy brainstorming, planning, and helping individuals like you. Let’s develop a strategic plan that will enable you to achieve success and demonstrate your qualifications for future job promotions or transitions.

It’s a simple and straightforward process for everyone involved when approached with a scientific and thoughtful mindset.

Remember, success in your new role is attainable when you prioritize building and nurturing relationships. Also, remaining open to new connections and opportunities goes a long way as well.

Take action now and schedule a Strategy session.

Click here to schedule a Strategy Session: https://dylancornelius.com/schedule-a-strategy-session

Click the link above. Don’t hesitate, let’s connect and start planning for your successful career.