Industry Insights: How to Succeed in a Newly Created Role
Are you about to climb the corporate ladder and take on the challenges of a brand-new position? At A Khan Recruitment LTD, we see more and more businesses forming new departments and roles to keep up with the fast-paced modern economy.
For many candidates, the next step in their career will be a role that has never existed before. While exciting, starting with a “blank slate” requires a specific strategy. Here is our expert guide on how to turn a newly created role into a long-term success.
The Strategy at a Glance
Succeeding in a new role is different from taking over an established one. You aren’t just filling a seat; you are building the chair. To succeed, you must balance your fresh ideas with a “watch and learn” approach to avoid stepping on toes while ensuring you meet the company’s underlying needs.
7 Essential Tips for Your First 90 Days
1. Understand the “Why”
Before you can lead, you must understand the history. Why did the company create this role now? Was it to solve a specific problem, drive growth, or bridge a gap between departments? Understanding the bigger picture ensures your work aligns with the company’s strategic goals.
2. Set SMART Objectives Early
Because a new role can be vaguely defined, you must work with your manager to set SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely). This creates a roadmap for your first three months and prevents you from drifting off-course.
3. Define How Success is Measured
In an established role, KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) are usually set. In a new role, you may have to help define them. Whether it’s sales targets or project milestones, agree on how your performance will be tracked so there are no surprises during your first review.
4. Build Stakeholder Allies
Identify the key people who have a stake in your success. Build relationships early across all levels. Close collaboration ensures that your new initiatives get “buy-in” from the team rather than meeting resistance.
5. Observe Before You Act
It is tempting to make a massive impact on day one. However, taking a “watch and learn” approach for the first few weeks allows you to understand the company culture and ecosystem. This ensures that when you do make changes, they are informed and effective.
6. Avoid the “Over-Promise” Trap
Stakeholders are often excited about a new hire and may push for immediate results. Stay level-headed. It is better to deliver consistent, high-quality work than to promise the world and fall short. Aim for “under-promise and over-deliver.”
7. Trust Your Expertise
Remember: you were hired for a reason. You have the skills and the background that the company was missing. Have the confidence to make strategic decisions, knowing that the processes you create today may become the standard for the company tomorrow.
Final Thoughts
Stepping into a role that has never existed is a unique opportunity to shape your own career path. It requires creativity, agility, and responsibility. By following these steps, you won’t just fill a vacancy—you will become an indispensable part of the organization’s future.
Looking for your next big challenge? > Contact our consultants at A Khan Recruitment LTD for personalized career guidance and access to exclusive roles across the UK.
Call us: 07894994506 | Email: info@khanrecruitment.com
