The first three months are critical in any workplace. Getting to know your coworkers, learning how everything’s done in the company, and establishing rapport with your bosses must all happen during that time. If it doesn’t, there’s a high chance you won’t make it through the probation period (if there is one). Even if you do, you’ll have created an image of someone who shouldn’t really be trusted with important matters. You don’t want that, do you? You want to be someone who’s an integral part of the workplace, someone who’s important and dependable. So how do you do that?

1. JUMP START YOUR
FIRST 90 DAYS
The first three months are critical in any workplace. Getting to know your coworkers, learning how everything’s done
in the company, and establishing rapport with your bosses must all happen during that time.
If it doesn’t, there’s a high chance you won’t make it through the probation period (if there is one). Even if you do,
you’ll have created an image of someone who shouldn’t really be trusted with important matters.
You don’t want that, do you? You want to be someone who’s an integral part of the workplace, someone who’s
important and dependable.
So how do you do that?

2. MAKE THINGS HAPPEN
Everywhere you look, you get the same advice –“stand out from the crowd”. But doesn’t
everyone have the same intention? The only true way to stand out is making things happen.
People who watch things happen aren’t risk takers. They don’t push the boundaries and prefer
to play it safe instead.
They are real go-getters.
They aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty.
They have a sense of urgency running through them.
They don’t wait for opportunities – they create them.
They are resilient and consistent.
They see problems as challenges they can overcome.
They have laser-like focus.
SO WHAT ARE THE CHARACTERISTICS OF PEOPLE
WHO MAKE THINGS HAPPEN?
There are people who
make things happen,
there are people who
watch things happen and
there are people who
wonder what happened.
To be successful, we have
to be people who make
things happen.
– Jim Lovell

3. THERE IS NO MAP
While it is human nature to want to know the secrets
flowing around the office, you should learn to walk
away from situations where others are gossiping.
They might seem like a well-meaning bunch, they
will get in your way eventually. So it’s very
important to separate gossip from friendly work
banter – they’re worlds apart, but not knowing the
difference can result in some very negative
outcomes.
If you need a map for your work, it can easily become boring. It’s
always better to do your own thing – something outside of the box
will always attract the attention of people who truly matter. As long as
it works.
Sure, there are always some rules and guidelines associated with any
position – trying to break these in the first 90 days can create a
negative opinion about you.
Unless, of course, you can present a solution which improves life for everyone. And there really is no map for
achieving that.
However, you’re in a unique position during the first 90 days – you can question the methods and processes that
might have been used for years. Use that to present yourself in the best way possible.
AVOID THE WATER COOLER
Keep in mind the following, especially in the first 90 days:
Gossipers in the workplace are viewed as untrustworthy and are less likely to receive promotions or
key assignments.
Important lines of communication between employees and supervisors are often disrupted
because of a lack of trust created by gossip.
Instead, befriend a veteran who has a good handle on what works and what doesn’t. This will help
you familiarize yourself with unwritten rules and establish a sense of belonging.

4. When you’re still learning all the ropes, it can be really easy to get lost in the world of activities and forget what really
matters – the results you manage to achieve.
Of course, there’s plenty to learn in any new workplace. No one really expects you to present something meaningful in
the first month or, depending on the employer, even the first year – you’re still learning after all.
However, if you’re really looking to shine at your new job, having something to show your bosses in addition to the hours
you clocked is extremely important.
You should establish yourself as someone who’s great at managing their time. You’ll usually have 8 hours at the office
every day, so using them to do valuable things instead of imitating work will enable you to stand out and show that
you’re serious about the position.
IF YOU WERE TO LEAVE, WHAT WOULD
YOU LEAVE BEHIND
FOCUS ON OUTCOMES, NOT ACTIVITIES
This is the question you should always
have in mind, even though you’ve just
started your career at the company.
Will you be the typical employee who
does what they’re supposed to do but
can hardly wait for the weekend to
come?
Will you be someone who’s made a
real impact at the company?
Will you be missed if you decide to
move on?
It’s all up to you, and the first 90 days
are much more important than you
might think.
First impressions can last very, very
long – if you manage to establish
yourself as someone who can make
things happen during the first three
months, you will be remembered as
this type of person even after you
leave the company.
You won’t be remembered for the
problems you find, no matter how
critical they might be. In the end, the
solutions you present are much more
important.
Go there, make things happen, and
help the company grow. That’s the
only way you can truly shine in your
first 90 days.