Clients often come to me to land a new job or to change their career path and to take on a new career after their re-invention, my specialty. Although most are engaged with me throughout their transition, some are not as much. They get complacent about how to get going in their new job to avoid any setbacks or get so focused—even anxious—about doing well in their new job that they forget what I had told them after their exciting announcement about their new job. So, I am writing this blog for anyone and everyone who has now a new job or are at their job (even internal transfer) in the recent past. Here are the mistakes you want to avoid to keep your new job as a springboard for your career growth and for a better future:

1. Failing to reconcile to the new reality: During the interview process you would have talked to many people associated with your workgroup and your job and each one would have had a view about the job for which you are going to be on boarded. The most important input comes from your immediate chain of command—you boss and your skip-level boss—not the job description for which you were interviewed. In many cases the ground reality can change and you may be assigned a different role. So, failing to reconcile to the new reality can create problems for both you and your boss. If you see a major difference in what was originally understood and agreed and what you are now asked to work on, have a discussion with your boss without prejudice or emotion and understand the new reality. Do not merely fret over the difference and act out your displeasure.
2. During the first week or so, as you are introduced to new players, do not avoid finding out who the key players are and see how you can plug into their mindset. Let THEM talk more and learn to listen what they say and how they say it. Talk less.
3. Do not boast about your past glory and victories, including your perfect GMAT or GPA scores. Let the curious find out about you by looking you up on LinkedIn and other sources. Also, do not trumpet your new assignment and boast about how it is going to make everything better when you are done with it. Never be a know-it-all; be a Learn-it-all, instead!
4. Do not initiate ANY change right after you start without knowing how the system works.
5. Do not just focus on you and your task at hand, but focus on building solid relationships and learning about the workings of your workgroup. Start building cordial relationships with those who would be working with you on everyday basis. Do not miss a chance to take some team members to lunch or to coffee. Also, do not forget to bring something to show your appreciation at the end of the first week (a box of candy, donuts, or some treats as appropriate).
6. Do not offer opinions in the early stages of your onboarding, especially about other people, company systems, or procedures. Quietly observe what needs to change and compile a list of changes you plan to introduce to include in your 100-Day plan.
7. Do not fail to touch base with your boss at least once a week and get clarity on your assignment. Do not assume but ask and seek clarity. If the boss is ambiguous send an email about what you heard and let them confirm in writing. This is especially important if you have a remote boss or if you telecommute.
8. Do not fail to probe and see where the low hanging fruit is and make notes in your journal to add to the 100-Day plan. A good 100-Day plan is compiled in the first month, discussed with your boss, and is used as a roadmap to calibrate your first-year performance.
9. Do not fail to use your fresh perspective to spot things that are obviously wrong and explore more about why they are wrong before passing your judgment on them for correction. Once again this should become part of the list of your 100-Day plan.
10. Do not over promise and under deliver! Learn and practice how to do its exact opposite, instead.

The initial period at a new job can be anxiety provoking and everyone wants to make a good impression to be accepted by your workgroup and by your boss. Follow these simple guidelines on what to avoid and what to do and you will be positioned for success in your new job!

Good luck!