To ask how to establish yourself in a brand-new role?

[WorthyOrca]

I’m starting a new position where I’ll be the first person to occupy this role in the team, as opposed to take over from someone else. I’ve been successful in securing a Resident Satisfaction & Engagement role for a housing association, but the team has mentioned that establishing myself, both with residents and the team, will be a challenge due to the newness and nature of the position. Any tips on how to make a strong impact and build credibility from the start?

I was in a similar position. My best advice is to go in with confidence. You can make the role whatever you want it to be so take advantage of that. Make a rough plan of what you want to do ( for example, visit the sites to meet residents, set up a community meeting once a week, collect data in this way etc. etc.). Don't wait for people to give you directions, prepare some ideas for how you want the role to look. Shadow your colleagues so you learn what every role entails as you will likely need it to raise "satisfaction and engagement" plus, it's a nice way to get to know the team. Fake it till you make it in buckets.

Agree, lots of confidence, make friends with everyone, work in the grumpy ones first - don’t listen to the loudest voice - consider all options!

Aww, thank you so much! I really appreciate your emphasis on confidence and the reminder that I can shape the role. You’ve shared some really good ideas here, I’ll definitely take this all on board.

Confidence. Meet the teams you're working with, chat to them, listen, learn and ask questions. Have a 1:1 with the management team in charge of your role and establish the outcomes they want to achieve then work towards them!

Thank you! I’ll remember to “make friends” with everyone and focus on building those relationships. Haha, starting with the grumpy ones made me laugh! Good point about not being swayed by the loudest voices.

Previous comments are exactly right. I would add make sure you are aware of the role remit and boundaries. It can be tricky sometimes to have these front and centre.