Just Start

Don’t wait for permission or an explanation. Just start.

In college, students await assignments from professors. Course syllabuses lay out the expectations and assignments for what's to come. Students plan their semester around it. Permission to start is driven by someone else.

Following graduation, students start their first job. If you are lucky, a manager will explain what is expected. There are no syllabuses for your assignments and activities. Onboarding may be a day or less. The rest is up to you. On the job training is how most professionals learn the trade of the job.

Don't wait to be told what to do. Just start. Find ways to insert yourself in the day-to-day duties. Reach out to peers who are in similar roles that have been doing it longer. Sit down with them to learn the nuances of how they do their work. Ask questions and find ways to contribute in week one. Even it is a minuscule task or activity, such as updating the font in a PowerPoint slide. Whatever it is, insert yourself.

Make a manager's job easier by not waiting to start. They may be too busy to train you. Don't take it personally. Figure out a way to make an impact early. Show value. No matter the position, you can contribute.

Just starting is the secret sauce to success. It shows competence, independence, and a willingness to get things done. The less micromanagement you need to get the ball rolling, the more superiors and co-workers will notice. Do not hesitate to take initiative. In college, we are taught to avoid it. Do your assignment. Present to the class. Read this chapter. Wait to be called on. Don't stand out to much.

The alternative is take initiative and to just start. Serve those around you by not waiting for permission.