Last week I had the great pleasure of meeting Liz Cornish, a consultant to major corporations around the globe and author of a wonderful book that I highly recommend:  Hit the Ground Running - A Woman’s Guide to Success for the First 100 Days on the Job.  It’s a practical and immediately applicable book that’s well worth the read and the $13.60 purchase price from Amazon.  If you’re transitioning into a new position you’ll find it useful even if you’re not assuming a formal leadership role. 

Here are just four of the great tips Liz offers:

1.  Recognize the opportunity to negotiate.

2.  Don’t let naysayers distract you from your focus.

3.  Tame your inner critic.  If you take a hit don’t take it personally.  Dust yourself off and get back into the game.

4.  Maintain your sense of humor.

And here are a few more coaching tips from me for how to transition smoothly and effectively:

5.  Whether you’re making a move to another department, to another role within the same department, or going to an entirely different company, develop a transition plan.

6.  Keep in mind that what worked for you in the past won’t necessarily continue to work for you in your new assignment/role.

7.  Take advantage of the “honeymoon” period (just about 100 days) to learn as much as you can about the company, its products, your boss’s agenda, clients, customers, and people with whom you work.  In most instances, no one expects you to be the expert during this period so don’t even try. 

8.  Don’t underestimate the critical importance of building 360 degree relationships right off the bat.  You’re going to need them. 

TAGS: job transitions, Liz Cornish, new leader, new to the job