Arrive Magazine - January/February, 2009

vendors and anyone else you come into contact with. Request feedback on both what is working well and what needs improvement. Repair any strained relationships, advises Ann Ruschy, an executive coach with the Bailey Consulting Group in Minneapolis, Minn.

Concentrate and Focus

Pretend that you have only one day a week to do your job, or two hours a day to do your job. List all the things you would do if you had that little time. What actions would generate the greatest results? Now, find ways to do just those things for the next 100 days, says Cameron Herold, business coach and founder of BackPock-etCOO in Vancouver, B.C.

Second, create a “stop doing list.” Write down all the things that waste time and commit to stop doing them for 100 days. Finally, Herold says, get out of e-mail. Check your e-mail only a couple of times a day. Start your day with a Top 5 list of things you must get done that day and start the day working on one item— not e-mail.

Put in the extra hours. If you’re not doing so already, come in early and stay late. “Let your boss see you leave the office with an armful of files. Leave your office light on as people leave work for the night. If you come in early, park in a prominent place where your car is sure to be seen by others,” adds Lluch.

Avoid Career Killers

Sometimes you focus on showcasing yourself so much so that you forget to acknowledge the efforts of others. When you neglect others’ contributions, you could send a message to the powers that be that you’re not ready to be a part of the team.

“You don’t get to the executive level without understanding the importance of being part of a team,” says Frances Jones, author of How to Wow: Proven Strategies for Presenting Your Ideas, Persuading Your Audience and Perfecting Your Image. “During these 100 days, actively cultivate the habit of thanking others for their ideas and their work, and make a point of telling those in charge about their achievements.”

Don’t sulk. You may contribute 110 percent and still have your efforts overlooked. Don’t vent your frustrations and resentments in such a way that there’s a chance

The 100-Day Catapult Launch

You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression. When you land that dream job at a new company, the initial weeks and months are critical. Here’s how to get off to a good start

Ask and Listen: You were hired because of all your experience, but face this fact: You have a lot to learn, points out Beth Minton of Beth Minton & Associates, executive and team coaching in Chapel Hill, N.C. Talk to as many people as you can to get the lay of the land.

Clarify Expectations: Be clear on what exactly you were hired to do. Titles and organizational charts vary. Be sure your priorities are straight. Discuss them and write them down.

Develop Relationships: Identify key people as early as you can and then be proactive about getting to know them.

Make Something Happen:

Although you want to resist the temptation to “ready, aim, fire,” look for a way to make an immediate contribution.

it will harm your future. Vow not to sulk or complain for the next 100 days and beyond. Also, turn a deaf ear to gossip and negative chatter from coworkers. “Either by actively participating or by passively listening you send a message to everyone around you that you can’t be trusted. All of which can leave your boss wondering whether you can be trusted,” says Jones.

No matter where you are today, 100 days can create much promise for tomorrow.

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