I have a new role and I really want to be successful.

Anonymous

June 16,2022 at 7:51PM UTC

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I have a new role and I really want to be successful.

I started a new job for an international company in their new and growing digital dept. They hired me for my soft skills surrounding identifying inefficiency in procedures and streamlining the processes, and my experience in having started my own business and my project management skills (from a non tech industry).

I have been told that this role is not strictly defined and I have the room and flexibility to define it and grow it. I love this fluidity but I have never had a role with this feature. I want to be very successful in this position.

They know that I don't have tech digital skills and are doing a great job of getting me up to speed on the company structure, etc. I'm taking lots of notes, studying, being proactive and finding learning materials on topics that I'm not familiar with, I request all of the meetings to be recorded so I can re-watch them to absorb the material and ask follow up questions. I'm working very hard to learn show that I am capable and to provide value as they are putting a lot into training me. I want this to be a long term role to grow with this dept.

Do you have any suggestions of other things that I can to to help me be successful in this role? I fear that I am so focused on learning and getting up to speed that I may be missing other things that I should be doing or any words of advice?

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AnonymousJune 16,2022 at 9:18PM UTC
It sounds like you're on the right track.
Listen, learn, ask questions. Don't neglect the interpersonal relationships, get to know people and ask sincere questions about their background and expertise. Ask people out to lunch or for a virtual chat (if that's appropriate where you work).
AnonymousJune 17,2022 at 8:00AM UTC
This doesn't come to me naturally, so thank you for pointing it out. I will have to make an effort in this area.
Gretchen SkalkaJune 16,2022 at 10:26PM UTC
I think the comment so far is spot on.
You're on the right track and making new connections will be a great benefit to you.
Also, if you're not already doing it - work to forge a partnership of sorts with your boss. You might even ask if he/she knows anyone in other areas of the company with the same setup as your role.
If it's a newly-created role - perhaps check around on LinkedIn or this platform to see if there are other people or companies in a similar position (creating new roles).
Why was the role created?
What market need is it intended to support?
Being able to answer those questions will go a long way to helping you understand the long-range vision of the position you now hold.
And just remember - hiring isn't a gift-giving enterprise.
They hired you because they saw something in you that satisfied an immediate need they have.
You can do it.
They already know it - and I hope you do, too. :)
AnonymousJune 17,2022 at 1:15AM UTC
I think you are on track. Identify all the key smes for every tied to your function and document and learn and pick their brains until you can recall and repeat back what they taught you. Take that info to help frame your scope of work.