So, you've landed the Change Manager role! Congratulations! The mix of excitement and anticipation is natural. Your first day sets the tone for how you'll continue in your role, so preparation is key. You can't predict every detail, and nor should you! But a little foresight can make a world of difference.
Furthering the career insights we've been providing in the Agencia Change blog, today's contribution is your guide to prepping for Day One and beyond, ensuring you make a strong start and set yourself up for success.
Before You Even Set Foot in the Office
Do a Digital Deep Dive: Your pre-first-day homework is crucial. Explore the company website, recent news articles, and social media presence. Go back over the job advertisement, position description and any other relevant pre-offer communications. Get a feel for the organisation's culture, values, and recent projects. Understanding the organisation's mission and strategic direction will help you contextualise your role.
Know Your Players: Research the executive team and key stakeholders you'll be interacting with. Understanding their backgrounds and areas of focus can help you tailor your communication and build rapport more effectively. Try drawing an organisational chart and spending some time on LinkedIn to piece together key positions and reporting lines.
Dust Off Your Toolkit (and Check for Updates!): Review your change management methodologies and any relevant frameworks. Refresh your knowledge of change models, communication strategies, and stakeholder management techniques. Agencia Change offers a fantastic toolkit in change management, communication, and understanding stakeholder needs, complete with templates, guidance, and analysis tools – make sure you're familiar with resources like these.
Plan Your Outfit (and Your Mindset): Choose an outfit that aligns with the company culture (business casual? Formal?) and makes you feel comfortable and confident. More importantly, prepare your mindset. Focus on being positive, open to learning, and ready to connect with new people.
The Night Before
Logistics Check: Research day one details. Confirm your commute, public transport or parking arrangements, and reporting location. Pack a suitable bag with photo identification and any important forms needed for the signing-on process. A stress-free arrival sets a positive tone. Allow time before you start to grab your morning coffee somewhere local. You want to arrive at your new role feeling comfortable and as relaxed as possible.
Prepare Your Questions: Jot down a few key questions you want to ask your manager and team. This demonstrates your proactive approach and genuine interest. Focus on understanding current projects, team dynamics, and immediate priorities. You don't need to run through your list of questions if other priorities arise, but having it on hand will provide you with confident talking points if needed throughout your first day.
Rest Up: A good night's sleep is essential for peak performance. You'll want to be alert and engaged on your first day.
Day One: Embrace the Experience
Day one on the job can be a whirlwind of introductions, new information, and that exciting-yet-slightly-nervous energy. Preparing well for your first day as a Change Manager is your first chance to make a strong impression - and begin absorbing the culture and context of your new role. While the specifics will vary depending on the company and position, some common threads weave through most first days: meeting your team, getting an overview of current projects, and beginning to understand the organisational landscape.
It's a day for active listening, asking clarifying questions, and starting to build those all-important professional relationships. You're not expected to make groundbreaking contributions on day one, but your attentiveness, enthusiasm, and willingness to learn will set the stage for success. Day one is about planting the seeds for future growth and impact. Read more: What’s in Store: The first day in your new Change Manager role.
Top Tips for your First Day Preparation
First Impressions Matter: Arrive at the office on time (or even a little early). Be friendly and approachable to everyone you meet, from the receptionist to your new team members. Be that person who says good morning to everyone as you arrive.
Active Listening is Your Superpower: Your primary focus on day one should be absorbing information. Listen attentively to what your manager, team, and other stakeholders have to say. Ask clarifying questions and show genuine interest.
Stay out of your own head while this happens. You may hear things that create expectations or push the limits of your knowledge. Don't stress! Listening to feedback doesn't mean you need to have all the answers on day one.
Seek to Understand, Then to be Understood: Resist the urge to immediately share all your ideas. Focus on understanding the current situation, challenges, and perspectives. You don't need offer solutions in your first meeting.
Take Notes: Document everything – key conversations, project details, organisational culture observations. This will be invaluable as you navigate your first few weeks.
Connect and Network: Introduce yourself to as many people as possible. Building relationships is crucial for a Change Manager. Learn about their roles, experiences, and perspectives. Before you change the business, you need to understand the business.
Clarify Expectations: Have an open conversation with your manager about their expectations for your role, both in the short term and long term. This will help you prioritise your efforts.
Reflect and Plan: At the end of the day, take some time to reflect on what you've learned. Identify any key takeaways and plan your next steps.
Preparing for Your First Day as a Change Manager: Thinking Beyond Day One
Your first day is just the beginning. The following weeks and months will be about building on this foundation, demonstrating your skills, and making a real impact. Continue to learn, connect, and adapt. Remember, change management is a journey: welcome aboard!
Need support for preparing for your first day and beyond? Book an introductory call with Agencia Change to find out how we can help.
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