It’s time to position yourself for success
Whether you’re stepping into a new role, taking on leadership, returning to work or making a career pivot, getting the opportunity can feel like the hardest part.
But what happens once you’re in?
Early in my HR career, I supported an external dean who had joined a university and was eager to make changes. He brought fresh ideas and a strong desire to move things forward. But he was new to the institution, and I could see that there was something important he didn’t yet have: an understanding of the landscape.
My advice was simple: Don’t rush to change it. Take the time to understand it.
I encouraged him to spend his first year getting to know his people, the culture and the climate. What were their challenges? What mattered to them? What had shaped the community? Where were there opportunities to build trust?
We began creating occasions for people to connect and feel recognized. We introduced an annual breakfast to honour the administrative staff and acknowledge their contributions with a small token of appreciation. Over time, something important began to happen: people became more open. Trust grew. A stronger sense of community emerged.
And when it was time to introduce changes, the dean had something far more valuable than a quick win; people who were willing to listen, engage and support leadership.
Not everyone agreed, of course. There will always be a few naysayers. That’s part of leadership. But because relationships and trust had been established, there was a foundation for meaningful change.
There were also times when I encouraged him not to make a change. For example, reducing a lunch period by 15 minutes may have been possible, but it would have created unnecessary resistance without advancing his longer-term goals. Sometimes positioning yourself for success means knowing what not to pursue.
That experience shaped how I think about the first 90 days of a new career opportunity, and, really, any new beginning.
I encourage professionals to think about three stages:
- Observe. Learn the culture, understand expectations, listen and pay attention to what isn’t immediately visible.
- Connect. Build relationships, understand people’s perspectives and recognize the strengths and contributions already around you.
- Align. Once you understand the landscape, clarify what matters most, determine where you can influence and identify where you can create value.
This is where my CEO mindset comes in:
- Clarity: What matters most?
- Empowered: What can I influence?
- Opportunities: Where can I create value?
Your first 90 days aren’t about proving that you belong. They’re about positioning yourself to contribute, build credibility and create meaningful impact.
Tania Chomyk, B.Ed., M.Ed., PPCC
Life Transition Expert, Author, Educator
September 2026