Three Ways to Succeed in a New Position

Being the newest member of a team isn’t easy but being a new employee in a brand new position the company has created, can be especially intimidating.

That is exactly what happened to me when I came on board as Interact’s Project Coordinator; a role they had never had before but something they desperately needed.

My work experience leaves me more than qualified: I was working as a coordinator for a TV network prior to Interact and had to handle seven producers, plus my manager’s schedules, financial and legal details of the shows they were working on.

I knew I could do the job but I have never had to be the one to create the job.

All of a sudden I felt inadequate, and started second guessing myself and my ability to be a part of this great team. Almost a year later I am still figuring out my role and all that it entails, but the sailing has become a lot smoother thanks to a three things I’ve learned along the way. 

Stay confident

When you feel inadequate, when you think you can’t do it, when you wonder if everyone can see you are “faking it” remember that you were hired because you are capable.

Don’t let a bad day or a mistake crumble your confidence. Go find a mirror. Look into it. Tell yourself to put your big girl (or boy) pants on and that you’re awesome.

Go get ‘em Tiger 

Be prepared to be wrong

You have new ideas. You have great ideas! They love your new, great ideas! Just not all of them.

That’s ok. You’re here because they want to hear what you have to bring to the table but sometimes their way is still better. 

Don’t allow yourself to deflate. Keep letting your ideas flow!

Communicate

Sometimes when you are creating a new position, your duties can get a little blurry.

“Was I supposed to invoice that client or were you? Am I supposed to handle this or do you want to? Do you need me to come with you on your next business trip to California? Are you sure? No? Ok”. 

The best way to avoid confusion is to simply communicate your expectations. I realize not everyone is lucky enough to feel completely comfortable talking to their managers/bosses/supervisors but in the end you will build their trust by being clear. 

This is just the tip of the iceberg of what I have been learning. Stay tuned for more lessons learned.