Months 2-3: Speed to Readiness

You’re navigating systems, learning who’s who and gaining clarity on your team’s priorities. These next months are about understanding your role in the broader picture and building the confidence to contribute more independently.

Here are a few tips to support your progress:

• Connect the Dots: Begin linking your daily work to your college’s or unit’s goals and Ohio State’s strategic plan. Don’t hesitate to ask how your efforts impact broader initiatives. This shows curiosity and a desire to align with the bigger picture.
• Strengthen Relationships: Continue expanding your network beyond your immediate team. Reach out to peers, cross-functional collaborators and colleagues in other departments, colleges or units. These connections help you work more effectively and feel more integrated into the community.
• Clarify Expectations: If any part of your role, responsibilities or goals still feel unclear, now is a great time to check in with your leader. Confirm short-term priorities and ask how success is defined and measured.
• Seek Feedback: Ask for feedback on what’s going well and where you can improve. Don’t limit this ask for feedback to just your leader. Gather input from peers and collaborators too. Multiple perspectives offer a more complete view of your performance, can foster creativity and show others that you value their insights. This can lead to stronger relationships and greater trust.
• Observe and Adapt: By now, you’ve had time to experience how things get done and how people communicate, collaborate and make decisions. Reflect on what you’ve learned and consider how you can best operate within (and contribute to) this environment.

Remember, every new role takes time to fully absorb. You’re building a foundation for long-term success. Keep leaning in, asking questions and staying curious.

Wexner Medical Center Team Members: For additional onboarding resources and guidance specific to the Wexner Medical Center, visit go.osu.edu/wmconboarding.