Motivation Monday: In The Beginning: New Day, New Dawn, New YOU! #selfimage #performance #artofthelearn

Welcome Back! Nice to see that last week moved some of you Socialytes enough to give me another look. I plan on returning to 10 Key Customer Service Traits later (possibly starting next week); however today I thought a little discussion of how to start properly at the new gig might be in order. Lets think on this for a couple of minutes: You saw and applied for a new posting, either on your own or with a little coaching (no matter), you went through the evaluation process and made it to the other side, The company called on Friday afternoon, and knowing you are currently available with no obligations to wrap up (If you are leaving one position for another- at least have the courtesy and the attitude to leave on good terms- you may either 1) return to "the roost" one day or 2) find that you may wish a reference on your work and personality to cement the new position; always better leaving on good terms than burning the bridge behind yourself.) ask you to begin bright and early Monday morning for orientation, team introductions, tour of your working area etc.

Monday comes with a mix of anxiety and confidence; you (think you) know what waits ahead, and you wish to get started on the new journey. After all, the discussions and evaluations have led you to this point- YOU ARE THE ONE for the position, all that waits is for you to arrive. Now you enter the building...

: You arrive at the "Gate Keeper", introduce yourself and ask to see your contact, who arrives shortly down the hall & with a firm handshake, welcomes you to the company. They then ask if you have any questions. Please don't be coy and say 'no' as this is the one chance you will have to get most of the answers of how you will fit in the mix, out in the open. (There is nothing worse than starting somewhere; getting ready to dive in and realize that you don't have any reference to work from about the client, or what is expected. Don't assume the answers...Ask away, and know that everyone goes through this- you will be no different until you hit your workstation); the mandatory tour of the site gets underway, and you meet with all the people you will either be a) reporting to and b) working with as a team.

Find a senior staff on your team and ask them to guide you through the first couple of days. Everyone needs a mentor at some stage, and starting a new gig is no different, you need to know the lay of the land as soon as you arrive; not after 6 months. Should this individual agree (depending on their own project list); feel free to get any and all information from them that you feel you will need to accomplish your tasks efficiently. If it is like most company's, the time 'under the microscope' could range anywhere from 3 to 6 months; some places even work under a certain number of hours logged in (usually around 2500 hours). Ask for their history, what makes them do what they do, and how much success you could hope to see on the journey. YOU will be a key piece of the puzzle, in maintaining a black bottom line, if you sink- the company WILL replace you (No one is bigger than the machine).

Take all the information given you over the next couple of weeks and digest it, mull it over and create your own personal 'Mission Statement' for this

occupation; knowing what will be asked, what you can accomplish and how to achieve both goals in a minimum combined time! Be Good and be Efficient, that 's why you were brought on board. Ask alot of necessary questions that will help you adjust, know who the contact people are and how to reach out to them, take a deep breath and dive in- YOU are the one with the talent needed at this point; show off your skills and drive home WHY you were the best choice to fill this position; then get set for the most amazing journey you have taken in quite some time.