You got the promotion!
It is what you have worked for. You deserve it and you have the credentials to back it up. This new position has placed you in charge of a team of 10, in a different office with a lot more responsibility. You are excited, eager to start and, yes, you are a bit anxious.
Anxiety is natural
Transitioning to a position with more responsibility brings up fear. It is a fear that you might be “found out:” that maybe you aren’t capable enough. You might fear you will be perceived as an outsider. Fear then leads to anxiety. Anxiety can take you out of who you authentically are, and place you in the position of someone who is working too hard at trying to be authentic. Even though your colleagues are thrilled with your selection, send their kudos, and reinforce their faith in you, you are experiencing a full gamut of emotions.
Jitters on the first day on a new job are inevitable, even when cloaked in enthusiasm. Emotions are what make us human, whether they are founded in reality or not. Regardless of where you fit into the corporate structure, you want to put forth the best of who you are.
Verbal Presence can ease the anxiety
Especially with a new position and additional responsibility, you want to demonstrate your leadership capability, communicate your competence, and encourage collaboration. How? Verbal presence–a conscious focus on being aware of how your verbal interactions impact others—can help you to be authentic, effective, and accessible. Here are a few hints that could help to ease the uneasiness of first impressions.
- Ignore suggestions that you should “just be yourself.” What does that mean anyway? Ever notice when you attempt to be yourself, you are anything but? Over-thinking every word in an attempt to be “natural” actually eclipses the process of being natural. You come across as wooden. Instead…
- Focus your energy on others. Demonstrate interest in those with whom you will be working by asking questions that stimulate connections around the job and what their experiences have been with the area in which you will be working. Ask about what ideas they have for your first project or how your position can help the office run more smoothly.
- Listen more than talk. Nervousness often causes us to chatter away! Take a few even breaths. Repeat in your mind one key word that the other person has spoken that represents a bigger thought. Just one. Remembering that one idea will let others know you think what they have to say is important.
- Make questions very specific. This enables another to answer with substance, rather than just an easy “yes” or “no.” It is in the detail where we learn the most about others.
- Remember, all business is personal even if it isn’t always apparent. Colleagues are most comfortable when they can relate on a personal level, just not too personal, especially at first. Friendliness can go a long way in breaking the ice. Notice photos in their office or cubicle. Comment about that cute baby or the obvious fun of a white water rafting trip.
The secret? Direct your energy outward to those who will be reporting to you. Make that first day, especially, about them and their concerns for their future. They may be feeling some fear and anxiety about what this change means for their own job security.
Focusing on others will make your inner jitters disappear.
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