Emily Flores
Early days in a new role are filled with small decisions that leave a big mark. Even things like how you follow up or seek help can shape how you’re seen. Without realizing it, you might be building the wrong habits. Here are the early missteps that can derail your momentum before you even notice.
Not Asking Questions
It’s tempting to stay quiet and figure things out alone, but silence can signal disinterest. Managers usually respect those who ask for help early. Gallup reports that new hires who ask questions in their first week are more likely to meet their 90-day performance goals.
Ignoring The Culture
Missing how a team works day-to-day can quietly hold you back. Culture manifests in routines, not rules. Spotting that rhythm early makes it easier to connect. When you ease into it, others may start seeing you as part of the team faster.
Flying Solo
Strong peer connections reveal how things work. Individuals who form strong bonds early tend to feel more satisfied in their roles. On the other hand, staying distant increases the likelihood of leaving. Social ties during onboarding matter more than formal instructions when it comes to staying grounded.
Overlooking Small Details
Managers tend to notice who pays attention when it counts. A habit formed early—even something as small as rereading a message—can stick longer than you’d think. Plus, a single misstep can have a ripple effect throughout a team. That’s why quiet precision early on normally defines how others remember you.
Missing Deadlines
Trust can be tricky to earn but easy to lose, especially in the first month. When deadlines slip, so does confidence. Timely work, on the other hand, tends to open doors. And since delays usually stall your access to tools, showing up on time counts even more.
Not Taking Notes
Taking notes helps new hires retain key details and avoid asking the same questions repeatedly. Tools like OneNote or Evernote can make that easier. Those who write things down early tend to complete tasks more quickly and require less guidance as they progress.
Avoiding Feedback
What helps new hires improve the fastest? Asking for feedback. The first few weeks are full of learning moments, and managers usually offer helpful guidance right away. Asking how things are going shows you care, builds trust, and helps you get better faster.
Assuming Expectations Are Clear
Confusion around roles can derail even the most enthusiastic hires. Many employees don’t fully grasp their responsibilities in the first month, which leads to missed goals. Teams that rely on SMART goals during onboarding tend to avoid those mistakes and stay better aligned from day one.
Trying Too Hard To Impress
Trying to impress right away often results in an overwhelming workload. Once that rush starts, burnout can sneak in quickly. But there’s power in pacing. When new hires keep a steady rhythm, they’re more likely to preserve both energy and long-term potential on the team.
Critiquing Too Soon
Jumping in with criticism too early can make you seem dismissive. Take time to see how things work before offering input. Once you understand the flow, your suggestions carry more weight. Earning trust first helps your ideas land better and builds stronger relationships at work.