The First Days at a New Job: Keep a Low Profile

In the first few days and weeks in a new role, keep your opinions to yourself! Focus on learning your job. Be the quiet observer. Avoid commenting on anything at this time, unless asked.

Remember: First impressions do count. I fired one person because he was disrespectful to his wife – on the phone in front of the whole office.

Reality check: It will probably take you one year to truly learn your job.

Once you know your job, you should receive ample chances to voice an opinion. Especially if you can streamline your processes.

Hopefully, you’re in a company where opinions are sought after!

Let us know: 

Why do first impressions count to you?

What is something you learned about someone based on your first impression of them? Were you right? Wrong?

Self Promotion

Use Technology Wisely to Enhance Your Job Opportunities/Promotions

Technology can both help you and harm you.

For example, most boomers have figured out how to access Facebook. A picture of your throwing up in a toilet is probably not the best PR to those who employ you.

Be aware of the obvious – such information may be available to anyone. Or a prospective employee may simply ask to see it.

Consider designing your Facebook portfolio so that if an employer does see it, you will look good.

It’s a sales opportunity. Make your portfolio professional. Show off your technical skills. Choose your photos – and friends – wisely.

Don’t shoot yourself in the foot! 

Taking Charge of Your Professional Development

What are Your Core Skills?

Force yourself to answer this question: What am I really good at?

I say this because many people still don’t know what they’re good at – even after 20 years. And they insist on doing what they’re not good at.

They haven’t accepted that you can’t possibly be good at everything.

In my own case, I realized this early in my career. I put it down to luck. I clearly recognized those things I wasn’t good at. Over time, I have deliberately surrounded myself with a team who can do the stuff I’m not good at. I try to focus on my strengths.

By default or by mistake, this turned into one of my best decisions.

Realize, however, that early in your career, you might have to compromise with the first job(s). As time goes on, you really have to get into somewhere where you feel comfortable.

Be honest with yourself about assessing your true skills.

Be prepared if necessary to take a menial job to get started. I’m now CEO. To get started in the workforce, I did the following: parked cars, swept floors, burnt garbage, sold door to door, drove tractors, worked behind a bar.

I didn’t see any of the jobs as menial. I saw them all as experience. A stepping-stone to my future.

What have been some of your “stepping-stones” to get to where you are in your career?

What are some goals you hope to achieve to advance your career?