Last updated on May 30, 2024

What steps should you take to understand your new role's expectations?

Embarking on a new role can be both exhilarating and daunting. To navigate this transition smoothly, it's essential to understand the expectations associated with your new position. This isn't just about knowing your job description; it's about grasping the nuances of your role, the company culture, and how you can contribute to the organization's goals. By taking proactive steps to comprehend these expectations, you can set yourself up for success and make a positive impact from the outset.

1 Job Description

The job description is your first port of call for understanding what is expected of you. It outlines the responsibilities, necessary skills, and performance criteria for your role. However, don't just skim through it; study it in detail and identify areas where you may need more clarification or additional training. If anything is unclear, don't hesitate to ask your manager or HR representative for more information. This foundational document will serve as a benchmark for your performance and objectives in the new role.

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Vitor F.

Psychologist | People & Culture Analyst | People Management | Tech Recruiter | Talent Acquisition
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To understand the expectations of your new role it's essential to first get to know the job description of the position you will be occupying understand the new activities you will be performing and identify what you will no longer be performing. In addition it's valuable to align yourself with your leadership or colleagues on the expectations for short- and medium-term achievements as well as understanding the main priorities to be worked on. Based on this, reflect on your objectives and seek for regular feedback to assess the effectiveness of your actions. That way you'll have a good starting point for understanding the expectations of your new role.

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2 Ask Questions

It's important to ask targeted questions to uncover the subtleties of your new role. This can include inquiring about the short-term and long-term goals of the department, how success is measured, and what challenges you might face. By asking these questions early on, you demonstrate your eagerness to learn and your commitment to meeting and exceeding expectations. Remember, no question is too trivial when it comes to understanding your role and how you can excel in it.

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Jim Baron

Proud Dad and Grandfather
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Align yourself with your direct supervisors expectations. You need to be crystal clear on how she/he sees your role, scope of responsibility and department priorities. Keep asking questions where clarification is needed so you are not working at cross-purposes.

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3 Observe Culture

Observing and adapting to the company culture is a vital step in aligning with role expectations. Pay attention to how colleagues interact, the decision-making process, and the company's values in practice. This will give you insight into the unspoken rules and expectations that are just as important as the formal job description. By immersing yourself in the culture, you'll learn how to navigate the workplace effectively and how to make decisions that resonate with the company ethos.

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4 Feedback Loops

Establishing regular feedback loops with your supervisor and peers is crucial for understanding how well you're meeting expectations. Constructive feedback will help you adjust your approach and address any areas of concern. This two-way communication not only aids in your professional development but also shows that you value others' perspectives and are committed to continuous improvement. Make it a habit to seek feedback frequently, not just during formal reviews.

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5 Reflect Regularly

Set aside time for regular self-reflection on your performance and progress in understanding your role. Consider keeping a journal or log where you can note successes, challenges, and areas for growth. Reflect on how your work aligns with the company's objectives and how you can better meet the expectations set out for you. This self-awareness will allow you to be proactive in your development and ensure that you are on track to fulfill your role's requirements.

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Katlyn Doyle

HR Specialist at Family First Homecare
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Consider your strengths and weaknesses, and how your experiences make you a good fit for the role. Be transparent with past experiences that didn't go well and how those situations could have been, and will be improved in the future.

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6 Network Internally

Networking internally within the organization can provide you with a broader perspective on how your role fits into the larger company framework. Engage with colleagues from different departments to learn about their roles and how they interact with yours. This can reveal interdependencies and opportunities for collaboration that you might not have been aware of. Building these relationships will also establish a support system that can be invaluable as you grow into your new role.

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7 Hereâ€™s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that donâ€™t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What steps should you take to understand your new role's expectations?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Job Description

2 Ask Questions

3 Observe Culture

4 Feedback Loops

5 Reflect Regularly

6 Network Internally

7 Hereâ€™s what else to consider

Business Management

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Directory

What steps should you take to understand your new role's expectations?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Job Description

2 Ask Questions

3 Observe Culture

4 Feedback Loops

5 Reflect Regularly

6 Network Internally

7 Hereâ€™s what else to consider

Business Management

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