Baptism by Fire

More job seekers could find themselves in freshly created positions as companies revamp operations to cope with expanding markets, takeovers or financial crises.

Joann Lublin

Many executives appreciate the opportunity to blaze their own trail by creating a new position from scratch. No incumbent, no old agendas, no baggage. Still, rapidly changing expectations and a complex political environment can combine to create a baptism by fire.

Writing in the Wall Street Journal yesterday, Joann Lublin offers helpful advice: forge personal relationships with key players to gain credibility.

The first few weeks are critical, please don't waste them sitting in your office reading reports. You've got to get out, talk to people, and create allies. Your internal network should include superiors, peers, and subordinates - you'll need their support to succeed.

Lublin offers some great suggestions:

• Find out what people want of you
  
• Meet face-to-face with co-workers to learn about corporate politics
  
• Walk down the hall twice a day to brainstorm and bond with your team
  
• Include people in your meetings
  
• Attend important meetings (even if they forget to invite you)
  
• Maintain relationships with prior colleagues
  

To read the entire article:
How You Can Ensure A Newly Created Job Has Staying Power