Starting a New Job
You have just landed your dream job but how do you stay motivated?
The joy of a new job and the new challenges is typically very short-lived for many. The not-so-new job begins to feel so mundane after some time.
According to Gallup’s survey of 142 countries (180 million employees) worldwide in 2013, 63% of employees feel they are not engaged and lack motivation. Workload, lack of incentives and lack of recognition are some notable reasons for the lack of motivation (according to Monster reports) from an employer’s perspective. However, an employee also has a part to play in getting engaged and staying motivated.
How then do you keep the fire burning?
Helpful Tips in Staying Motivated
- Set professional goals
One of the key to-do items I advise upon starting a new job is to find out the career path for your field. It helps to have a basic understanding of the career progression within your team or department to give you clarity as to your next move (that is, short term and long term career goals). Once you know the ‘what’, finding out the ‘how’ would be the next step.
Do your research as to the certifications or trainings that will facilitate your next move. Make a checklist of what needs to be done and set a reasonable timeline for achieving them. For example, you can aim to complete one training or certification per your fiscal or calendar year. This gives you something new to talk about each time you meet with your Manager for your annual performance review. Most importantly, take full advantage of the learning opportunities offered by your organization, if any, and also invest in yourself.
- Align your personal goals with the organizational vision
It is not unusual for employees to be unsure as to how they contribute to the entire organizational growth. Discuss your organization’s annual accomplishments with your functional manager and ask questions about the focus for the next year. It is also important to understand your contributions to the organization as a whole in terms of revenue generation or cost savings. Document figures if possible (percentages, $ savings, impacted users for applications and e.t.c.). Numbers are not only encouraging , they also serve as very useful inputs for salary increase negotiations, your next move or next job.
- Create opportunities
My mentor once told me never to be an order taker employee. In order to be be successful you don’t want to be that employee who waits for orders. Be proactive and get creattive. Do your research on industry trends and improvement strategies (such as taking advantage of the latest technologies). While you may not be responsible for the final decision making, you could facilitate the decision making by recommending and presenting your findings to the key decision makers.
- Reflect on your achievements and contributions
You cannot tell success from failure if results are not measured. Determine criteria for measuring success and constantly reflect on your achievements (qualitatively or quantitatively). Use visuals like pie charts and bar graphs if possible to readily see your contributions to the organizational growth. This also helps to articulate your progress when discussing with your Manager.
- Celebrate your wins
I cannot overemphasize the need for celebrating achievements. Treat yourself to your favorite restaurant, a nice vacation, outfit or whatever it is you desire. Even adults need the reinforcing system to get things done sometimes.
Lastly, identify areas for improvements and continue to work on them. Measure your progress as you do so.
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