Five ways to be a fast learner at your new job
Starting at a new workplace can be challenging and exciting. ET finds out how you can start delivering results quickly so that you’re off to a great start.
1. Choose the Right Job
Slow down first to be able to speed up later, says Gaurav Dewan, chief operating officer of Travel Food ServicesNSE 1.32 %, a franchisee company. “You career is not like a one-day cricket match, it’s like a Test series,” he says, adding careers are not made by hopping jobs. Being hasty while picking a job could lead you to get stuck in a job where you can’t learn quickly.
2. Understand Your Role
These days, a job description may not necessarily be useful, says Renu Bohra, director (HR) at DB Schenker, a transportation and logistics company. She says it’s better to get clarity from your manager on what expectations he or she has from you. Agree on priorities, and timelines to deliver results. Then, keep them posted on your progress. Seeking continuous feedback will help you stay agile.
3. Don’t Overcommit
At the beginning of a new job, it’s not a good idea to juggle too many things, say both Bohra and Dewan. “If you overcommit and under-deliver, it creates a downward spiral,” explains Dewan. You may be coming in with the baggage of your previous organisation, and things may not work out as planned as the environment is different. For the same reason, it’s also a good idea to wait for a while before you bring in new ideas to the table, says Bohra.
4. Build Networks
It’s not just managers, but peers too that you have to build relationships with, says Bohra. We’re not talking about socialising about chai here, but helping your colleagues out professionally. At the end of the day, they are the ones who can put in a good word about you to the bosses, even if informally.
5. Learn About the Organisation