Starting A New Role Or Gig?
It’s shocking to hear that forty-two million Americans lost their jobs this year. But I’ve also been hearing from many of you who are contemplating starting new jobs or gigs. Last week, I attended a Wharton webinar titled “Leadership in the Wake of COVID-19: What Enterprise Leaders Will Need to Survive and Prosper in the Years Ahead”, and there were some nuggets in there for all of us, regardless of role.
Lori Ryerkerk, chairman, president and CEO of Celanese Corporation spoke about the importance of first impressions and of human connection when first starting in a new role. I would say this applies to new clients, projects, and co-workers as well.
Highlights:
Spend the first hundred days getting to know people. Get to know the company. Talk to people, talk to customers, talk to suppliers. Lori emphasized keeping your mouth shut and hearing what everybody else has to say.
Really understand the entirety of the landscape, not just the technical work. Understand the social situation, the community situation, the reputational situation. Immerse yourself and learn from others. If you don’t take time to do this when you join a company, you really can make some big missteps early on that you will spend the next five years trying to recover from.
Would love to hear what has helped you be successful when you have started a new job or project.
And as a follow up to my last email, thank you to everyone who shared their racial bias assessment results with me – hard to own I know. And for those that shared their list of what they commit to - you are brave and know that I will support you to the best of my ability on your path.
In response to people who asked to hear my stories of bias, while it is emotional for me to relive, in a spirit of open dialogue and what I committed to last week, let’s talk over a video call. Let me know which day/time works best for you in this doodle survey.
If I can assist you on your path, professionally or personally, please schedule time with me here.