Taking to the stage in a new job

Embarking on a new professional journey when changing jobs can feel like to stepping onto a stage on the opening night of a new performance where you have the power to shape your narrative. Depending on the new job, it can also require a shift for you as the actor. Changing jobs is a thrilling chapter filled with opportunities to make a lasting impact.

As any subscribers to this newsletter who also follow my LinkedIn account will know I have recently changed jobs myself from the Corporate Talent Strategy team to a more business focussed role as the global HR Business Partner for TotalEnergies’ fast growing Integrated Power business unit. Using my reflections through my recent change, here's a guide to your own transition to help you seamlessly set the stage for success. Remember that it is not a passive moment just going through the process of changing desks, and realise that you are the main actor in your professional success so you’ll need to ACT : make sure you Adapt, Connect, and Thrive.

Remember that it is never wise to take to the stage without thorough preparation, so learn your lines as much as possible in advance, prepare your moves, check out the theatre and know the stage layout as much as you can in advance. Every stage is different. Is yours going to be in a modern theatre with air con to take the heat out of your opening performance and a perfectly automated set change from one scene to the next? Or is your theatre a more traditional one, with ancient wood underfoot which will resonate too loudly unless you tread lightly and step carefully, with lights that blind you and heat your skin causing you to transpire the moment you set foot on stage? A mixture of both of course is also possible, a modernised traditional theatre or a brand new but poorly equipped stage ?  

And what role are you going to play? A leading part? Or a supporting role? Should you be centre of attention in a flamboyant costume or a more discrete place on stage blending in with the other actors? Adapt your stage presence accordingly. Whatever your script, whatever play you are going to perform, whatever the role you take and whatever stage you are on, taking a deliberate proactive approach to the first weeks will help your long-term success. 

In your metaphorically theatrical journey from one job to another, the ACT model serves as your script as a guide to ensure a seamless performance and a standing ovation from your colleagues :

Adapt (A): Build a Foundation of Flexibility 

In the initial weeks of your new job, your primary focus should be on cultivating adaptability, the cornerstone of success when changing your role. To continue the theatrical analogy in the simplest of examples, even if you are playing exactly the same role, in the same show, with the same script if you are on tour the experience will change on each and every stage and venue. The more aspects that change around you, the greater your need for adaptability. And let's face it in the real world it is pretty rare to have exactly the same script and play the same character from one job to another. 

Incorporating insights from cognitive psychology, active listening and learning can be seen as the foundation of knowledge acquisition. Listen to the cues and dialogues of your professional stage. Adapt your performance based on the unfolding plot, ensuring a dynamic and responsive presence. When you actively listen and learn, you engage your cognitive functions to absorb, process, and store information more effectively. This aids in quicker adaptation and decision-making. Psychological flexibility, a concept rooted in modern behavioural science, is all about being open to new experiences and adaptable to change. Balancing assimilation with innovation is a practical application of psychological flexibility. 

Setting clear expectations not only helps from an organizational perspective but also aligns with principles of cognitive psychology. Observe the organizational stage set. Analyse the scenes, adapting your character to harmonize with the overarching play, contributing to a compelling performance. Having clear expectations reduces uncertainty, which, according to the cognitive appraisal theory, is a significant source of stress: clarity in expectations enhances your psychological well-being and leverage stress positively at what can be an unsettling time. 

Some key actions to help you to adapt: 

 Active Listening and Learning: 

   - Actively listen to colleagues and stakeholders, absorbing crucial insights. 

   - Adapt your approach based on what you learn, showcasing flexibility from the start. 

Observe and Analyse: 

   - Actively observe existing processes, adapting your perspective to identify areas for improvement. 

   - Analyse the organization's dynamics, adapting to its unique culture while bringing your own insights. 

Define your goals and expectations: 

   - Adapt your understanding of expectations through open and transparent discussions with your new manager. 

   - Align your goals with organizational objectives, setting the stage for a harmonious adaptation. 

   - Establish a clear roadmap for your first 100 days, connecting short-term objectives with long-term success. 

Prioritise: 

   - Connect with the most impactful tasks by prioritizing based on urgency and significance, and making sure you allocate time for your own development at a time there will be much to learn. 

   - Cultivate a deep connection with your responsibilities, ensuring a focused and strategic approach to determining what you do and when. 

Adapt and Evolve: 

   - Demonstrate your resilience by embracing change and demonstrating situational agility by adapting to the new context of in your new job. 

Connect (C): Forge Strong Bonds    

Building robust connections is not just a social matter; it is of strategic importance when changing from one role to another. From a psychological standpoint, establishing rapport with your new stakeholders is key to building effective teamwork. Recognizing the psychological importance of creating a support network within the organization that can provide both professional and emotional backing. As with any successful theatrical performance, success will always rely on more than one person. Even if it is a one man show (which is rare) there are always plenty of people backstage supporting you taking care of the background, lighting, sound and scenery on the night, and working hard to fill the seats front of house. The same applies when you change jobs, you aren’t alone. However triumphant and confident you feel about stepping on stage, even in the lead role you need to remember the importance of all the other actors, stagehands, and front of house staff who will make the performance a success. Even in a monologue performance on stage, the success will depend on the connection, the bond, you forge with your audience.  

Craft your communication like a skilled actor delivering lines. Connect with your audience (your colleagues and stakeholders) using a clear and expressive script to convey your character's essence. Never underestimate the human and interpersonal aspects of changing jobs, and focus on the following key points: 

 Build Strong Relationships: 

   - Actively engage with team members to establish a foundation of trust and collaboration. 

   - Adapt to diverse communication styles to build your influence foster strong connections. 

Leverage your support Network: 

   - Use your connections elsewhere within the organization or industry, building a robust support network beyond your immediate circle of new colleagues. 

  Forge your Communication Strategy: 

   - Connect with transparency through an effective communication strategy. 

   - Actively communicate your progress, connecting with stakeholders to build trust. 

Thrive (T): Achieve, Grow, and Sustain Success  

Thriving in your new role requires a holistic approach that combines goal achievement, continuous improvement, and resilience. Have confidence in yourself. If you survived the casting and made it through rehearsals to step on stage on the opening night, it is because the production crew and show’s director believe in your capability to perform. Of course, each performance provides opportunities to improve for the next one. Listen carefully to the audience’s reactions, applause, gasps. Getting through the first night isn’t enough alone, you have a busy season ahead of you. Treat feedback as the reviews after opening night. The more you play the role the more comfortable you will become, and the easier it will feel. You might always have butterflies in your stomach before each performance, but it will soon feel natural and more and more effortless. The same goes for the first 100 days of your new role. Things will get easier, and you’ll feel more and more competent as time goes on. Build on each success to bolster your confidence and learn new techniques to improve your performance. 

Leverage your strengths: 

   - Connect with your unique skills and experiences, leveraging them to contribute meaningfully. 

   - Establish a connection between your strengths and the organization's needs, creating a symbiotic relationship. 

- Recognise and use your unique skills and experiences to boost your confidence and overall job satisfaction. 

Seek Feedback: 

   - Connect with growth by actively seeking feedback from colleagues and supervisors. 

   - Embrace feedback as a tool for continuous improvement, connecting with a growth mindset. 

Learn and upskill: 

   - Connect with professional development by consistently learning and upskilling. 

   - Thrive on the opportunity to unlock your talent and enhance your skills, connecting personal growth with organizational success. 

 Curtains up!  

Every job change is an opportunity for personal and professional growth, and with the right approach, you can excel and thrive in any new role you undertake. Focussing on how you ACT — Adapt, Connect, Thrive — during the initial weeks provides a structured and comprehensive guide to success. By actively engaging with each element of ACT, you pave the way for a seamless transition, building the foundation for long-term performance. Remember, success is not just about what you do; it's about how you adapt, connect, and thrive in your new professional narrative.  

So, I wish you all the best in proudly taking your place on stage in your new job; let the curtain rise on your success, leaving your audience applauding the performance of a lifetime as you let your talent shine. As we say from one actor to another in English, “break a leg!” or here in France “merde!” 

Alan Lambert, Fellow of the Institute of Leadership and Management, is an International HR leader currently working at the Integrated Power business unit of TotalEnergies, a global energy company, and is a Linkedin Talent Voices Talent Advocate award winner.