How to Make Your First 100 Days Count

Géraldine Gauthier
12 Dec 22
|
2 min read

Most companies don’t have a productive onboarding process.

Do you agree?

As an executive coach, I’ve seen up close the varied onboarding processes that companies have in place and I’ve decided to develop a coaching program to support my clients in their first 100 days.

I always tell them "Don't wait for your employer to guide you when you start a new job. Own your onboarding process. Own your career."

Here is a proven framework to create a strong impact in the first 100 days, a unique window of opportunity to set yourself up for success.

6 Steps to Onboard Yourself In a New Job
6 Steps to Onboard Yourself In a New Job

1. Prepare Your Pitch

  • What do you want people to say about you when you are not in the room? This is your personal brand!
  • Build a structured pitch
    • Present: Who you are
    • Past: What you have achieved
    • Future: Share your vision and enthusiasm

2. Visualize Your Success

  • Ask yourself: What is your vision for your role? What would you like to achieve? How can you overcome obstacles?
  • Visualize your success like athletes do: Create a mental imagery of your achievements in 1 month, 6 months, 1 year. Great technique to overcome impostor syndrome!

3. Map Your Stakeholders: Ask yourself

  • Who are your key stakeholders?
  • Who are your potential allies?
  • Who sets the tone in the office?
  • What are the circles of influence?
  • Look beyond the org chart, draw a map
  • List 10 names and schedule meetings

4. Form Alliances

  • Schedule 1-on-1 meetings
  • Identify their strengths and drivers
  • Identify their pain points – empathize
  • Identify how you can help them
  • Listen more than you speak. Absorb the culture. Set the groundwork for win-win relationships. You can go a long way when you know people’s strengths and drivers.

5. Write a Fresh-Eye Report

  • Note all your first impressions in a report
    • What surprises you?
    • What is efficient?
    • What is dysfunctional?
  • Share your fresh perspective
  • Bring in new ideas

6. Secure Quick-Wins

  • Identify early wins
  • Identify symbolic changes
  • Create a momentum
  • Circle back with your key stakeholders
  • Share plans & recommendations: Start doing - Stop doing - Continue doing

What technique has helped you succeed in your roles? Share with us!