Your New Job: Five Ways for Instant Impact

You’ve got the job! After the euphoria, congratulations and champagne have become a nice memory, Day One looms ahead. Exciting, yes! But also a bit intimidating. You might be wondering to yourself, “How can I really show my stuff? How can I make a contribution right away, to prove that I am what they thought I would be?”

The traditional approach is to keep a low profile, get the “lay of the land” and proceed cautiously. Be safe. You could choose this method of entry to your new gig — tens of thousands of grads have done it just this way. However, the so-called traditional rules of work are under major revision and newly minted graduates can be in the vanguard of creating new ones. Here are five proven ways to have an impact from Day One.

1. Listen and Hear. The days of corporate management where Those Who Know say, “Don’t worry, we will tell you what to do” are over. In today’s world, the elders most likely don’t know. First, listen for the openings in those places where you can make a difference. Then act with purpose. Your thinking and your inputs can be part of the solution. Each day will present an affirmation that no one knows the answers, and your thoughts have as much or more power than those of the person next to you, no matter their age or tenure. Listen carefully.

2. Select a Mentor. A mentor in the world of business is an experienced person who is a trusted adviser and guide. Sometimes mentors select protégés. I suggest you select a mentor for yourself (or perhaps more than one) and utilize them as your private sounding board. This person can help you navigate the hazards and obstacles that are invisible to you as a neophyte in the business. Don’t be in a hurry to select this person, as you want to bet on an executive who is highly regarded and doesn’t carry any negative organizational baggage. A mentor is a way of hedging your position in your new world of work.

3. Dial Your Risk. There is an inviolable rule you should remember as you make your way in your new environment: Reward is ALWAYS relative to risk. If you want to cultivate recognition and advancement, along with experiences that will make you ever more valuable, you must be purposeful in selecting the degree of risk you wish to accept. For example, should you choose to take on a project that has been avoided by others but is clearly important to the company, be objective about the possible outcomes — good and bad. Remember though, only by taking more risk can you distinguish yourself from those whose fear keeps them well inside their comfort zone.

4. Create. The first time (and each time thereafter) you walk into the office you will bring with you the unique asset of your personal power of creativity.

Remind yourself (quietly) that nobody has what you have! Every T-Bird already possesses it and can immediately unleash it. In every company, there is a premium on freshness and creativity — no matter your age or experience. It is purely and simply a matter of choosing to view each challenge as an opportunity to use your creativity as your “unfair advantage.” Look and listen — then be bold.

5. Commit to Service. Perhaps the most important way to make a positive impact in your new world of work is to embrace a mentality of service.  It is the best way to deliver important and creative contributions where you are. Ask yourself, “How can I truly be of help?” Choose to serve others, whether peers or subordinates or the office staff or the doorman. You will make a difference and you will be recognized as a worthy new corporate citizen. Serve early, often and well, and without the expectation of something in return. You will find this way of being really powerful and satisfying.

Good luck!

[This article has been reproduced with permission from Knowledge Network, the online thought leadership platform for Thunderbird School of Global Management https://thunderbird.asu.edu/knowledge-network/]