M: Can you give me advice about being successful at a new job? I start mine next week.
W: Sure. It's important not to undermine the significance of the first few days of your job, since this is the best time to create a solid first impression.
M: That's a good point. I'll need to collaborate with my coworkers and I'm very aware of just how important others are for my success at work.
W: It's also important to understand your role thoroughly to gain a comprehensive picture of your job. The most important thing for you to do at first is to understand your role from multiple perspectives.
M: Why is that?
W: Well, what you do at work is not just limited to your job description. You need to consider how your work relates to other people within the organization.
M: Oh, right. So, for example, certain reports that I create at the end of the month may be used by a team in another department.
W: That's right. And in that respect, it's also important to learn about the business to see the big picture.
M: You mean like knowing about the history of the company.
W: Kind of, but more like knowing the details of the products and services that the company exists to deliver. Learning about the business will give you a chance to understand how your role fits into the bigger picture.
M: Okay. I'm feeling a bit uneasy about meeting my boss as well.
W: That's to be expected. However, it's crucial that you get to know the people who have decision-making authority to gain insight regarding how the business is run and decisions are made.
M: Great advice. Thanks.