Starting a new job is always a mix of excitement and panic. It seems like everyone expects instant results. You want to show your worth. But rushing in can backfire. The first 90 days often decide how smooth or messy the next few years will be. Experts say the real challenge isn’t speed. It’s understanding the culture, the people, and the unspoken rules. Many of us make the mistake of confusing activity with impact. Doing a lot doesn’t mean doing the right things. It might even hurt your reputation.If you get this phase right, it can set you up for years of success. Get it wrong, and it feels like walking uphill every day. It seems obvious, but many overlook it. And honestly, it’s not just about doing your job well. It’s about how you’re seen. How people listen to you and how do they take you seriously.
Ankur Warikoo reveals 5 things to set yourself up for success
It might feel like a short period, but it shapes the future. Observing, connecting, listening, asking, holding ideas lightly; it all adds up. Ankur Warikoo shares that these small steps seem minor, but they often decide whether your years ahead are smooth or frustrating.So, pause. Look around. Ask questions. Be curious. Stand your ground gently. And remember: speed isn’t impact. Understanding is.Your career might just thank you for it.
Source: LinkedIn
Don’t rush and start with curiosity
It might be tempting to offer solutions immediately. Don’t. Not yet. The smartest move is to observe. Ask questions. Listen. Watch how teams work. Who talks? Who doesn’t? What matters, really?Curiosity shows you care. People notice. It’s subtle, but it builds trust. Jumping in with answers too soon can make you seem overconfident. Or worse, out of touch.
Connect beyond your team
It seems small, but those coffee chats, brief hallway conversations, even awkward hellos matter. You never know which connection will help later.Some colleagues might appear distant at first. Don’t take it personally. Experts say building relationships across departments often gives insights you can’t get from emails or meetings.
Listen more. Talk less.
Simple advice. Hard to follow. Many of us fill silence with words. But silence is powerful. It lets you understand dynamics, catch nuances, and notice what really matters.You might learn more by listening than by giving advice. It appears obvious, but it’s easy to forget.
Ask for feedback and mean it
It feels uncomfortable, doesn’t it? Asking people how you’re doing. But feedback early on can save months of mistakes.Try small steps. Quick check-ins. Short questions. “Did that make sense?” “Was this helpful?” People often respect it when you show you want to learn.
Hold your opinions lightly
Having ideas is good. Pushing them too hard? Not so much. People can sense when approval matters more than your opinion. And when that happens, respect fades.Not everyone will agree. That’s fine. Your thoughts still deserve space. Sometimes stepping back shows confidence more than pushing forward.
Earning respect without losing yourself
Once you’ve settled in, the next challenge is influence. How to earn respect without chasing nods or validation. It seems tricky. But reportedly, people notice authenticity more than effort to please. Ankur Warikoo explains that when you’re too focused on approval, influence drops. People might nod politely, but they stop taking you seriously. The trick is subtle. Speak clearly. Stand by your ideas. Listen when it matters. And don’t fear disagreement.Even small gestures count. Eye contact. Following up on promises. Owning mistakes. It all adds up. Respect isn’t about being liked it’s about being reliable and confident, without pretending to be someone else.
