It is both exciting and daunting when you start on a new project in a new place, before you do dive in to your project there are three key things that you need to understand and investigate, and by taking this time it will help you as you move into setting up your project.
The Organisation
Yes, you have done your research online, maybe talked to a few people and had at least one interview, but once you are in the door you only then do you find about the organisation, just observing how people act in their day to day activities tells you a lot, do people come in early stay late, is there a buzz around the office, is there lots of social chit chat etc
Stakeholders
The same observations can be made around key stakeholders, how do they greet you on first introduction, how easy is it to get into their calendar, how long if at all do they respond to your emails, the early weeks interactions will give a very strong guide to how you will work with these individuals through your project.
Politics
At every interview you are always told they do't exist, but in every organisation they do, it is important to work out what everyone's real drivers are, who gets on with who, and who you really need to get on side to get things done, and don't be fooled its not always the sponsor.
Do something simple
When you start somewhere new you are bound to have something in your kitbag nobody has seen before, particularly if you are joining an established team/organisation, you might think it is simple and everyone knows it but it is amazing that the smallest of things can impress new colleagues.
Next Week
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