Congratulations. After weeks of discussions and negotiations, you have successfully landed a new position. However, the efforts don’t stop here. Indeed, the first few months will be crucial to establishing yourself in your new position. Your behaviour during this time will influence how management, operations leaders, your team, and other colleagues perceive you. The first three months will also give you the opportunity to evaluate what your new role will entail and how you will need to proceed to achieve the desired success.

Step 1. Create a plan Plan

Writing a plan that looks at short and long-term objectives (both from your perspective and the perspective of the firm) will demonstrate that you have used your time effectively to immerse yourself in the organization and think seriously about your role. As you put the elements of this plan together, remember why you chose this role and the goals you want to achieve in the months and years ahead to assess your journey. Ask yourself what management expects from the perspective of the firm and from your role in particular? Assess what needs to improve to be successful and how you can close the gaps, etc. As time passes and you discover new information and grow your relationships, be sure to be flexible so you adjust your plans with the evolving situation.

Step 2: Optimal knowledge transfer

If you are lucky enough to transition with an incumbent, take the opportunity to make the most of it. Work with them to document the scope of the role as they define it, with workload, priorities, internal and external contacts, etc. Consider all projects that may begin, continue or end under your guidance. Finally, agree on how to announce your arrival. Don’t forget to ensure your communication plan also accounts for your departure that showcases your former employer in a positive way.

Step 3: Adapt to your environment

As the ideas and thinking behind your onboarding plan begin to take shape, you also need to familiarize yourself with the organization and its environment. Whether it is specific legal challenges, stakeholders, processes, internal communication, etc., the main thing is to observe and learn. Attend meetings and join all relevant working groups. Engage with people at all levels and adopt an authentic open and inclusive tone. Participate in the firm’s social activities, mingle with others. You will gain a much better understanding of your firm and move much faster in showing your value and being successful.

Step 4: Presentation of the plan

Once you’ve successfully put your ideas, observations, and solutions on the page, set up a meeting where you can present your plan to your managing partner, general manager, or boss to gain agreement on the content and permission to move forward with the action plan. If this is not possible, email the plan with a note explaining your vision for the legal department, your team and your role. Explain how you will control and manage risk, your budget proposal and financial forecasts. Your superiors will naturally read your report thinking about the costs and will likely share it with the CFO. Be prepared to negotiate and accept subtle revisions to your plan. Then, once it is accepted and documented, set up a reporting structure and keep management informed of your progress in implementing the plan.

We can help you find the best way to successfully land and launch your new role. Do not hesitate to contact us to find out more.