Originally published: 18/10/2017 16:18
Last version published: 17/04/2020 16:09
Publication number: ELQ-51276-2

How to Rock the First 90 Days of a Job

This post will give you advice on what to avoid doing, and what do try and achieve.

by Guy Kawasaki
Chief evangelist of Canva and part-time podcaster

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Introduction

There are two components to getting off to a great start on a new job: what to avoid and what to accomplish. This post explains both components. First, there are four ways to blow it. They form the acronym LAST:

Lazy people show up for work on time or late. Hardworking people show up early. Lazy people leave on time or early. Hardworking people leave late.

Arrogant people believe that they know what to do, how the company should operate, and what’s wrong with management. These kinds of people are called “90-day wonders” because they think they know everything after 90 days.

Stupid people do stupid things like cutting corners, cheating, and making uniformed decisions. (The combination of arrogance and stupidity is supremely ironic and common.)

Tacky people do dishonest, racist, sexist, sexual, or ageist things. They appear at functions in an inebriated state, and they spread rumors. They do creepy or inappropriate things because they are untrained, stupid, or insecure.

Second, let me provide 10 tips to climb to the top of the mountain:

Step n°1 |
Learn as much as you can about the company, competition, and industry before you start
Read all the recent news that you can find so that you are aware of the issues that your company faces. Read about your company’s history, so you can understand its DNA.
Step n°2 |
Learn as much as you can about your company’s executives before you start.
Read their bios on the company website. Study their LinkedIn profiles. Watch their social-media accounts to learn about their interests. If they don’t use social media, that tells you something too.
Step n°3 |
Learn how to use the company’s product or service before you start.
If you go to work for a large company, you will go through orientation and training, but a head start on your peers is still good. If you go to work for a startup, you should be productive before lunch on the first day.