On The Bold PhD podcast, host Dr. Gertrude Nonterah sat down with Dr. Shveta Miglani, an expert in organizational development and leadership coach, to discuss how professionals can succeed when starting a new job. The conversation focused on practical strategies for building credibility, understanding workplace culture, and setting a strong foundation in the first 60–90 days of a new role.
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Why the First 90 Days Are Critical
Dr. Miglani explained that the first few months of a job are about more than learning tasks—they’re about establishing how others perceive you and how you integrate into the company culture. Leaders often make early judgments that can shape long-term career growth. By approaching this transition intentionally, professionals can turn the onboarding period into a launchpad for success.
Blueprint for Success
Dr. Miglani shared actionable steps for navigating the first 60–90 days:
The 30-60-90 Day Plan
- First 30 Days: Focus on listening and observing. Take time to understand team dynamics, organizational priorities, and “unwritten rules.” Avoid rushing into decisions or trying to prove yourself too quickly.
- By 60 Days: Start adding value by asking thoughtful questions, clarifying your role, and contributing to small wins. This builds credibility while demonstrating curiosity and initiative.
- By 90 Days: Begin taking ownership of projects and outlining your vision for long-term contributions. By this stage, you should have deeper relationships and a clearer sense of how to add meaningful impact.
Relationship Mapping
A crucial part of starting a new job is understanding stakeholders. Dr. Miglani recommended creating a relationship map to identify who influences decisions, who your work affects most directly, and where collaboration will be critical. Investing early in these relationships fosters trust and smooths future challenges.
Cultural Awareness
Technical expertise alone doesn’t guarantee success. Dr. Miglani emphasized learning the culture: how meetings run, how people communicate, and how leaders prefer to receive information. Recognizing and adapting to these cultural cues helps new employees integrate seamlessly.
Feedback and Reflection
Finally, Dr. Miglani encouraged professionals to seek feedback frequently during the first three months. Asking managers and colleagues, “What worked well? What do I need to continue? What do I need to stop?” not only provides clarity but also shows openness to growth. Pairing this with personal reflection ensures alignment with both personal goals and organizational expectations.
Resources for Transitioning Well
During the conversation, Dr. Miglani highlighted tools that can support new hires:
- Pre-order Navigate Your Career by Dr. Shveta Miglani
- Dr. Shveta Miglani’s LinkedIn
Final Thoughts
As Dr. Miglani summarized, starting a new job isn’t about doing everything perfectly in the first week. It’s about taking a thoughtful approach to learning, building credibility, and understanding both people and culture. By following a structured 30-60-90 day framework and staying curious, professionals can transform the stress of transition into an opportunity for growth and long-term success.