Any change in life offers a time of reflection, including starting a new job. Last week we explored tips on preparing for your first day, but there is more to preparation than practicing your journey and packing your bag the night before. Reflecting on your ‘work self’ is something that doesn’t happen often – especially when you are focused on the day to day! Making a change in your career is a perfect opportunity to do just this. Consider for example, how you have been perceived by colleagues in the past, and how you would like to be viewed in your next role.
It’s a common saying, you don’t get a second chance to make a first impression. This thought may be making you feel nervous, and excited, about starting your new job. Naturally you will wonder if your colleagues will like you, what your stakeholders will think of you, will your boss value you; it can be overwhelming.
So, who do you think you are? A genuine question not a sarcastic comment! It is something to ask yourself ahead of the change you are making. You have an opportunity here to shape how you are perceived by a new set of people. What kind of manager, colleague or team member do you aspire to be? Now is your chance to consider who you want to be in the next chapter of your career, but it will require some reflection, introspection, and preparation. Remaining authentic and true to your own values is key.
It is highly recommended that you audit yourself. Take the time to find out more about your ‘work self’ for example, how you are perceived by others, your personal motivators, and drivers, what values you hold most important, and the aspects of your personality that manifest themselves most and least when you are at work. You can do this by asking questions of your former colleagues or completing psychometric tests online.
You spend more time at work than most other things, so it is vital to really consider the impact that your work environment has on you, and that you have within your work environment. There is no better time than today.
