Dear new hires,
Welcome to the corporate world!
I still remember the mix of excitement and nervousness before starting my journey—followed by the whirlwind of learning, challenges, and early missteps.
It won’t always be easy. There will be moments of confusion and tough days. But there will also be growth, fulfillment, and fun experiences that make it all worthwhile. Along the way, I’ve had my fair share of trial and error, and I’d love to share a few tips that might help you navigate this journey a little more smoothly.
1. Stay Curious
Ask lots of questions. Always ask “why” and dig deeper to understand how things work. Curiosity isn’t just about gathering knowledge—it’s about challenging assumptions and pushing boundaries. It helps you see things from different perspectives, uncover new possibilities, and grow both personally and professionally. Staying curious keeps you engaged, constantly evolving, and open to learning, which is essential for growth and innovation.
2. Think Like a Decision-Maker
This habit has helped me a lot. When someone asks a tough question or seeks approval from a decision-maker, I try to think about how I would respond. It feels like a game to me. At first, I used to think, “Wow, their response is so impressive.” Over time, my answers began to align with theirs, and I felt a sense of achievement, like a student scoring well on an exam. Eventually, my perspective shifted to, “I’d approach this differently,” and I gained the courage to say, “I have a different point of view. If I may, can I share it with you?”
Adopt a leader’s mindset in every situation. This approach not only sharpens your problem-solving skills but also prepares you for greater responsibilities down the road.
3. Aim for Small Wins Early
Look for opportunities to deliver results or solve problems quickly, even if they’re small. These wins build confidence and momentum as you settle into your role.
4. Understand What You Like
Take time to figure out what excites you or feels meaningful. That’s a win for any new hire. Reflect on what matters to you personally and professionally, and try to shape your environment to align with those priorities. When you enjoy what you do, you’ll thrive.
5. Reflect on What You Don’t Like
If you find yourself disliking certain tasks or aspects of your job, don’t dismiss those feelings. Ask yourself why you feel that way—it might go beyond the surface. For instance, some people dislike tasks because they don’t see immediate results, while others may feel frustrated due to internal politics, not because of the nature of the work itself. Keeping an open mind can help you uncover the real reason behind your feelings. This will allow you to make the right interventions and avoid making misguided decisions.
6. Separate Yourself From Your Work
This was my biggest mistake. I felt proud when my work was successful, but when things didn’t progress as expected, I blamed myself. Even when my manager reassured me that it wasn’t my fault and that some things were simply beyond my control, I still held myself to an impossible standard. I was overly harsh, thinking it was a responsible attitude.
Looking back, I realize how unhelpful that was. It didn’t change the results, didn’t energize me, and didn’t help me move forward quickly. It took time, but I learned that my work doesn’t define my worth.
You are a combination of many things, and sometimes, bad results happen despite your best efforts and positive attitude. The key is to separate yourself from your work—your value is not tied to the short term outcome.
7. Ask For Help
It’s okay not to have everything figured out right away. Learning takes time, and mistakes are part of the process. Focus on progress, not perfection, and don’t hesitate to ask for help.
“Be strong enough to stand alone, smart enough to know when you need help, and brave enough to ask for it.” I love this quote.
I know it can be difficult to ask for help, but don’t shy away from it. Asking for help doesn’t show weakness. It reflects a growth mindset. You might be surprised by the warm and supportive reactions you receive.