Archive for day: Monday, December 4th, 2017

Whether it’s your first job or you’re a seasoned pro, being the new employee on a team can be a little nerve-wracking. From remembering names to getting trained on new software, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by everything you need to learn. While you may not have a ton of confidence when you first start, remember, everyone has felt like the new kid on the block at some point in their career. To navigate the ins and outs of a new role (and build your confidence), add these 4 steps to your checklist: Kick bad comparison habits When you start a new job, it can be easy to fall into the trap of comparing yourself to everyone around you. If you catch yourself doing this early in your new job, remind yourself that you were brought on your team because you bring something new and of value to the table, such as a particular skill set or past experience. Admiring a colleague is fine, but don’t obsess over the things they have and you think you don’t. Everyone has different skill sets. Don’t bite off more than you can chew If you’re a new employee, it may be tempting to volunteer for everything that comes your way. However, taking on too many responsibilities in an effort to impress your supervisor and your colleagues can do more harm than good. Remember, you’re still learning the ins and outs of your role! Biting off more than you can chew may lead you to feel overwhelmed, so try to focus primarily on what your supervisor asks of you. As you begin to feel better adjusted in the role, volunteer to help with small, but meaningful, projects. Being able to help your colleagues outside of your set responsibilities is a great way to gain confidence, but do this only when it makes the most sense for you. Set attainable benchmarks for yourself While you want to give yourself time to adjust, you also want to outline what you have to accomplish during your first few months on the job. As you’re getting started, map out your goals and give yourself a realistic timeline for accomplishing them. Completing a specific project or reaching a broader goal can help track your progress and can also help you feel more confident and reassured in your new position. Don’t be afraid to speak up! As a new employee, it’s perfectly normal to want to maintain a low profile at first. However, speaking up during team meetings or other professional settings is a great way to become more comfortable in a new role! While it’s just as important to listen and observe your new teammates, you may find that being part of the discussion will help you grow in confidence as you get started in your new role!