Starting a new job is both exciting and overwhelming. You step into an unfamiliar environment, surrounded by people who already understand the systems, the culture, and the unspoken rules. You, however, are expected to adapt quickly, deliver results, and prove that you belong. But the first 90 days aren’t just about keeping up—they’re about laying the foundation for your success.
This is your opportunity to build trust, strengthen relationships, and define who you want to be in this organisation. Because whether you realise it or not, people are already looking to you for leadership—not because of your title, but because of the way you show up.
Most people enter a new job with the mindset of “fitting in.” They want to prove they belong, to meet expectations, and to avoid mistakes. But the most successful people—the ones who thrive in any environment—do something different. Instead of focusing on fitting in, they focus on contributing. They ask, What can I bring to this organisation that no one else can? How can I make a meaningful impact from day one?
The truth is, no one remembers the person who simply meets expectations. People remember those who elevate the team, who bring new energy, fresh ideas, and an ability to make others better. The best way to ensure success isn’t just to survive your first 90 days—it’s to make them count.
Observe Before You Act
Too many people make the mistake of thinking they have to prove themselves immediately. They jump in with solutions before they understand the real problems. They assume their way is the best way, without taking time to observe what’s already working. But great leaders don’t start by talking. They start by listening.
When you begin a new job, resist the urge to “fix” things right away. Instead, take a step back and absorb everything around you. Pay attention to how people communicate, how decisions are made, and where the real influence lies. Every workplace has a formal hierarchy, but the real power often exists in the relationships, the alliances, and the trust that has been built over time.
Spend time in meetings just listening. Watch how your colleagues interact. Ask smart, open-ended questions: What do you love about working here? What’s the biggest challenge this team faces? If you could change one thing, what would it be? People appreciate curiosity. They appreciate when someone takes the time to understand before jumping to conclusions. When you listen before you speak, you show that you respect the expertise and experience of those around you.
Build Trust Through Connection
People don’t remember what you do as much as they remember how you make them feel. If you want to thrive in your new role, don’t focus only on what you need to accomplish—focus on the people around you. Work is not just about tasks and deadlines; it’s about relationships.
Make an effort to connect with your colleagues beyond just work-related conversations. Learn about their interests, their career paths, and what motivates them. When people feel seen and valued, they will naturally be more supportive of you. Trust is built in these small moments—over coffee, in casual conversations, in the way you respond when someone shares an idea.
Trust isn’t built through grand gestures; it’s built through consistency. It comes from showing up on time, delivering on your promises, and following through on what you say you’ll do. If you promise to follow up, do it. If you commit to a deadline, meet it. If you make a mistake, own it. Nobody expects perfection, but they do expect accountability. The fastest way to build credibility in your first 90 days is to be someone people can count on.
Small Wins Make a Big Impact
One of the biggest mistakes people make when starting a new job is trying to change everything at once. They want to make a big impression, to be the person with the bold new ideas. But leadership isn’t about making noise—it’s about making a difference.
Instead of trying to solve everything, look for small wins that create momentum. Identify one or two areas where you can add immediate value. Maybe it’s improving a process that’s been frustrating your team. Maybe it’s offering to take something off a colleague’s plate. Maybe it’s simply bringing a fresh perspective to an ongoing project.
Small wins build confidence. They create a track record of success. When you start delivering meaningful contributions, people take notice—not because you announced it, but because they felt the impact of your work.
Learn the Rules Before You Challenge Them
Every company has its own way of doing things. Some of these rules will make sense, others will seem outdated or inefficient. You may be tempted to challenge them immediately, to prove that your way is better. But there is wisdom in patience.
Before you question the system, understand why it exists. Often, processes that seem inefficient have a history behind them. Maybe they were put in place for legal reasons. Maybe they’re the result of past failures. Maybe they exist simply because no one has thought to change them.
The people who succeed in new roles don’t just push back on existing structures—they learn how to work within them first. Once you’ve built credibility and trust, your suggestions will carry far more weight. But if you challenge things too soon, before you’ve proven yourself, you risk alienating the very people whose support you need.
Play the Long Game
The first 90 days set the tone for your future, but this isn’t just about starting strong—it’s about playing the long game. If you focus only on impressing people in the short term, you’ll miss the bigger picture. Think about where you want to be in six months, a year, five years. What kind of reputation do you want to build? What kind of leader do you want to be?
The people who thrive in their first 90 days aren’t just focused on doing the work—they’re focused on building relationships, establishing trust, and making an impact. They don’t just fit in. They elevate the people around them.
You can be someone who simply does the job, or you can be someone who changes the game. The choice is yours.
Final Thought: Leadership Starts Before the Title
Leadership isn’t something you wait for. It’s not a rank or a title. It’s a decision. You don’t need to be a manager to be a leader. Leadership is about mindset. It’s about taking responsibility, being proactive, and bringing out the best in others.
The most successful people in any organisation aren’t the ones who simply do what’s expected of them. They are the ones who look beyond their own role, who take ownership of challenges, and who make people around them feel stronger and more capable.
Your first 90 days are a launchpad. The habits you build now, the relationships you invest in, and the reputation you cultivate will shape the rest of your career. If you approach this time with intention and purpose, you won’t just survive—you’ll thrive.