Starting a new job can be both exciting and overwhelming. To ensure success, it’s essential to create a strong foundation within the first 90 days. Bada Business Professor, Mr. Paritosh Sharma, has devised a comprehensive 12-week plan to guide you through this crucial period. This article will break down his advice into actionable steps, covering everything from creating a great first impression to taking on leadership roles.

Week 1 & 2: Creating a Solid First Impression

The first two weeks of your new job are crucial for setting the tone of your future success. This period is all about making a positive impression and understanding the company culture. Here are the key points to focus on:

1. Introduce Yourself Effectively

• Keep your introduction short and impactful. A 15-second elevator pitch should highlight your education, any unique experiences, and personal accomplishments like projects or publications.

2. Ask Thoughtful Questions

• Avoid interrupting others. Listen carefully to conversations, then ask well-timed, relevant questions.

3. Get to Know Your Team

• Understand the team structure and roles, and build relationships with colleagues.

4. Shadow Key Individuals

• Spend time with the person you’ll be working most closely with, such as your manager. Learn from their experience and guidance.

5. Understand Your Reporting Manager

• Whether it’s the CEO or a senior manager, understanding your reporting structure is vital for your growth.

6. Learn the Organizational Culture

• Adhere to the company’s work discipline, including punctuality and understanding its values.

7. Understand the Business

• Learn about the company’s products, services, target market, and revenue model. This knowledge will help you understand how your role fits into the bigger picture.

8. Be Presentable and Professional

• Familiarize yourself with the company’s dress code and ethical standards. Review the employee handbook to understand these expectations.

Week 3 & 4: Diving Into Work

After settling into the company culture, it’s time to focus on your core responsibilities. Here’s what you should aim for in the third and fourth weeks:

1. Get to Work

• This is the phase where you focus on mastering your tasks. Understand the scope of your job, and start working on delivering results.

2. Avoid Rushing to Change Processes

• As a newcomer, resist the urge to change existing processes. Take time to understand the company’s current systems before suggesting modifications.

3. Leave Past Experiences Behind

• Don’t compare your new job with your previous one. Focus on adapting to the company’s way of doing things.

4. Avoid Gossip

• Stay away from casual office chatter and gossip. Focus on building relationships based on work.

5. Understand Your Performance Metrics

• Make sure you are clear on how your performance will be evaluated. Align your goals with the company’s key performance indicators (KPIs).

6. Conduct a SWOT Analysis

• Assess your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats to better understand your potential within the company.

7. Engage Actively in Meetings

• Listen attentively in meetings and contribute meaningful insights.

8. Schedule Time for Feedback

• Set up regular meetings with your manager to discuss progress and receive feedback on your performance.

Week 5 to 7: Developing Leadership and Contribution

In weeks 5 to 7, it’s time to establish yourself as a reliable and proactive employee. Focus on the following areas:

1. Prioritize Job Responsibilities

• You’ll likely have multiple tasks. Prioritize based on their impact and importance.

2. Participate Actively in Meetings

• Come prepared with solutions to problems discussed in meetings. Your proactive approach will help you gain visibility.

3. Create Early Wins

• Look for opportunities to bring improvements to processes or systems. Creating small wins will help you gain recognition quickly.

Week 8 to 10: Building Your Brand

By now, you should be more comfortable with your role. Weeks 8 to 10 focus on strengthening your reputation and taking more initiative.

1. Remember That Every Action Matters

• Your behavior, whether in meetings or casual conversations, is part of your personal brand. Ensure you’re always presenting yourself positively.

2. Share Ideas with Your Manager

• If you have suggestions, bring them to your manager first. Avoid sending ideas directly to higher-ups, as this may bypass the established process.

3. Schedule Feedback Sessions

• In the 10th week, request one-on-one feedback from your manager. This will help you understand areas of improvement.

Week 11 & 12: Preparing for Long-Term Growth

The final stretch of your first 90 days is all about implementing feedback and positioning yourself for long-term success:

1. Implement Feedback

• Use the feedback from your manager to improve your performance and refine your approach.

2. Pursue High-Value Projects

• Get involved in high-priority projects that will showcase your skills and contribute to the company’s success. These projects often lead to accelerated career growth.

3. Take on Extra Responsibilities

• Show initiative by offering to help other departments or take on additional tasks. Being someone who takes on extra responsibilities will make you indispensable.

4. Schedule a Final Check-In

• In week 12, schedule a meeting with your manager to review your progress, set new goals, and ensure you’re on track for future success.

Conclusion

Your first 90 days in a new job can make or break your success in the company. By following Mr. Paritosh Sharma’s structured plan, you can not only make a solid impression but also position yourself for rapid career growth. Focus on understanding the company, building relationships, and delivering value through small wins and leadership. With this approach, you’ll ensure your transition into the role is smooth and successful.