How to ensure your success in a newly created role

The world of work and the businesses operating within it are changing faster than ever. New departments are forming, resulting in the creation of new roles within those departments.

It’s becoming more likely that your next position could be one that has never existed before. This is a great opportunity to mould a job to your own skill set. Read our tips for starting a brand–new role to help you make your mark.

Newly created roles can bring huge benefits to your career

Starting a new role can be both exciting and a huge opportunity. For newly defined positions, there are no predecessors to live up to or previous benchmarks to work towards. You have the unique opportunity to take a role in the direction in which you think it needs to go.  

There can also be some very real challenges that come with life in a new role. Especially if the business has yet to define the job description and responsibilities clearly. 

Seven things you should do to ensure long term success in a brand–new role

A lot of the same advice applies for starting any new job. You’ll likely already be aware of the best practices for joining a new team. These tips are still relevant a new role that has never existed before, including: 

• Introducing yourself to all of your new team members
• Asking lots of questions
• Starting to build good relationships within an unfamiliar workplace
• Being present at crucial first meetings and conversations
• Establishing yourself as a ‘go-to’ person at the company  

If you’re starting a completely new role, there are a number of extra details to consider. As part of your onboarding process, prioritise the following seven steps: 

1. Understand where your new role sits within the bigger picture 

Set yourself up for success early on by asking the right questions. Try to identify why the new role exists. Ask questions during your interview process, such as: 

• What were the circumstances and requirements that led to the creation of this role?
• What is the employer’s history and track record?
• What skills, background or characteristics make you a good fit for the role?
• How will your role fit in with the wider strategic direction of the business in the months and years ahead? 

2. Understand what your boss wants you to achieve in your first three months 

Setting SMART goals early on will be central to success. It’s also important to arrange regular check-ins. SMART goals mean that your aims should be:  

• Specific
• Measurable
• Achievable
• Realistic
• Timely 

A framework of well-formulated objectives is essential to make sure you are heading in the right direction. Understanding expectations of your boss from the outset will increase you chance of success in the new role. 

3. How will the company measure your success in this new role? And how often? 

There’s no one-size-fits-all way of measuring an employee’s success. A newly created role can bring even greater challenges. 

The means of measuring success will also depend on your exact role. For a sales employee, sales figures may seem a strong means of gauging their success. Whereas it’s a much more subjective task to assess how much a software developer’s work contributes to the company’s bottom line. By understanding how your employer will measure success, you stand a better chance of delivering results.  

4. Work hard on developing strong relationships with stakeholders 

Take time to understand how this newly created role fits in with the senior stakeholders and their priorities. Start developing these relationships as soon as possible. Strong relationships will make it easier for you to gain buy-in for new initiatives or projects in the future.  

Bear in mind that it’s also important to dedicate time to your colleagues. Your new co-workers may have some initial resistance to any changes that you introduce. This is precisely why it is crucial to embrace your colleagues early. Get onboard with the company culture in order to bring them along for the ride.  

5. Don’t try to fix or change everything as soon as you arrive 

Resist the urge to make an instant impact on day one. Taking some time offers advantages, and allows you space to understand: 

• The ecosystem of the company
• How different departments collaborate
• What the strategic priorities are 

Over the initial few months or first year in your new position, you will have the opportunity to:  

• Adjust to the distinctive challenges of the job
• Integrate yourself more fully into the team structure
• Take greater ownership in shaping the role 

6. Avoid over-promising as you risk under-delivering 

You may be eager to prove yourself and demonstrate your value from the start. Many stakeholders will be excited to have you on board. Anyone who defines the new role will be keen to see change and progress. Try not to succumb to the pressure of over-promising and under-delivering. Instead, try to take a measured and realistic approach. 

7. Have the confidence in your skills and abilities to make the right decisions 

Make sure each decision you make is strategic, informed and will have a positive impact. In a completely new role, it could be your strategies that shape the future. It’s essential to have confidence in your skills and abilities and make the right decisions along the way. 

Stepping into a new role can be exciting, but it can also be daunting. You will need a certain level of creativity, responsibility and agility that may not apply to a previously occupied vacancy. 

By following the above points, you can shape your new role into the position that both you and the organisation wants it to be. You will be well-placed to make the best possible contribution to your new employer’s success.