Mastering the First 100 Days at Work
William Zhang
CEO | Structural Eng. | AI | Featured on 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐛𝐞𝐬 | Entrepreneur | 20k+ Followers
Starting a new job is like stepping into uncharted territory. There’s a mix of excitement, uncertainty, and maybe a little pressure to prove yourself. I’ve been there, and I know how those first 100 days can set the stage for long-term success—or make you feel stuck. In this edition, we’re diving into strategies to help you hit the ground running, find your rhythm, and thrive in any new workplace. Let’s get into it!
#ShoryuWill Newsletter #39 By William Zhang
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Listen First, Speak Later
When I first heard this advice from Sarah Cooper, it made me rethink how I approach new environments. Sarah’s background isn’t just about comedy; she’s walked the corporate path too. One of her best tips is to observe before jumping in. She learned this by watching her VP, who had mastered the art of “quiet confidence.” Instead of speaking for the sake of it, he listened, absorbed, and then contributed with precision.
It’s easy to think the loudest voice in the room is the most confident, but often, the real power lies in listening. Give yourself time to understand the culture, the team dynamics, and even the unspoken rules of your new workplace.
What I’d Do: Spend your first few weeks noticing patterns. Who speaks up in meetings? Who gets listened to? What tone and style are most effective? Watch, learn, and adjust.
Winning Over Your Boss
Let’s talk about a tough one—what to do if you and your boss aren’t clicking. Leadership coach Robyn Garrett has a brilliant way of framing this: treat your relationship with your boss like a partnership. Instead of focusing on what’s not working, look for ways to align your goals with theirs.
Most bosses care about results—KPIs, deadlines, efficiency. Learn what drives them and adapt your approach. Think of it like discovering their "workplace love language." Do they value detailed data? Short updates? Find out and deliver in their preferred style.
What I’d Do: Ask yourself, “What does success look like for my boss?” Then, show how your work helps achieve that.
Finding Your Motivation
We all hit slumps—new job or not. Leadership coach Muriel Wilkins puts it simply: motivation comes from having a reason to do what you’re doing. When motivation fades, it’s often because you’ve lost sight of your “why.”
Sometimes, it’s temporary burnout or misaligned expectations. Other times, it’s a signal that you need a bigger shift. Journaling can help spot patterns. Write down when you feel drained or inspired. Over time, you’ll see what’s working and what isn’t.
What I’d Do: If you’re feeling stuck, grab a notebook. Spend five minutes a day noting what energised you and what didn’t. After two weeks, look for trends and take action.
Raising the Stakes (and Your Salary)
Asking for a raise is an art, not a single moment. Anne-Lyse Ngatta and Gorick Ng say it starts on Day One by building relationships and showcasing your contributions. By the six-month mark, you should have enough wins to back up your request.
When the time comes, walk in prepared. Have two numbers: the one you want and your dream number. Show how your work has exceeded expectations and how you’ve added value to the team.
What I’d Do: Don’t wait until performance reviews. Bring it up early in the year when budgets are being decided, and make sure your boss knows your contributions well in advance.
Own It and Move On
Mistakes happen—how you handle them matters more than the mistake itself. Priska Neely, a manager and leader, shares this golden rule: own it fast, fix it, and move on.
Too often, people dwell on errors or over-apologize, which doesn’t help anyone. Instead, take responsibility, show you’ve learned, and focus on what’s next.
What I’d Do: After a misstep, reflect on what went wrong and how to avoid it next time. Share your insights with your team or manager—it shows growth and builds trust.
Quick Wins
Here’s the wrap-up, straight and simple:
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1️⃣ Quote:
"Soft skills, like being someone others want to work with, make up 80% of workplace success." – Sarah Cooper
2️⃣ Questions:
What’s one workplace rule you’ve noticed that you can turn into an advantage?
How can you adapt your approach to make life easier for your boss?
3️⃣ Actions:
Spend your first month listening and observing.
Build relationships with your team and boss by aligning with their goals.
When mistakes happen, own them, fix them, and move forward.
Final Thoughts
Your first 100 days are your chance to set the tone—your reputation, relationships, and growth all start here. By listening, adapting, and staying proactive, you can make the most of this time and position yourself for success.
Let me know your thoughts—what’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned in a new role? Hit reply or message me here.
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About Me: I'm William Zhang—an engineer, creator, and business strategist with a deep passion for AI technology and digital innovation. As a business owner in engineering consulting, I also focus on helping others with personal development, financial awareness, startup coaching, business strategy, AI implementation, and building effective teams and partnerships. I believe strong relationships and the advancement of technology can create a better future, and I'm excited to share my insights with you.
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Qualifications:
Must-have Skills and Competencies:
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Your friend, William Zhang
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