You accepted the challenges that go with a major career change when you registered with the largest diversity job board online. You've done your "due diligence" on the company you are hoping to join (or have already committed to join). You've learned about its core business, its competition, it's long-term prospects and said "Yes". Congratulations!

However, chances are that you've had little time to plan for what comes next -- the transition into your new job and organization. This article will support you through your transition by: recommending five things you should do (and one you shouldn't); validating your new company's decision to hire you; and helping you make a great and lasting first impression.

Absorb your new corporate culture. Become thoroughly familiar with your new organization's personality and how business gets done in the environment. Does the culture encourage entrepreneurial thinking, genuinely care about customer satisfaction, work through teams or individual contributors? Does it reward collaboration or competition? Does it reward or punish risk-taking? Remember, you will be rewarded as much for "fitting in" as for what you actually do so mirror the corporate culture as closely as you can with each decision you make.

Know yourself. If you haven't already done so, take one of the personality type assessment profiles. The Myers Briggs Type Indicator is the most widely used. It is available online if your new company doesn't offer it in-house. Assessments measure your "soft skills", your strengths, styles and preferences, as well as identifying patterns in your strengths and style. Once you have a good understanding of your own personality type (authoritative, analytical, amiable or artistic), adapt any aspects of it that are out of sync with your new corporate culture.

Learn about the people who report directly to you. Spend more time focusing on your people than on specific tasks. After all, you can't do everything all by yourself and ultimately your work will take less time and your results will be of higher quality. Find out what motivates and inspires them? Who are leaders, who are followers, who is most ambitious? Who is most experienced? Who are the real workhorses? Your transition is a time for more listening and less talking.

Bring your Emotional Intelligence (EQ) with you. Many experts believe EQ is the next business revolution. Every organization needs more than just experts in finance, marketing, data systems, manufacturing, etc. How long would a business's customer and employee relationships survive if everyone checked their EQ skills (honesty, integrity, empathy, humor, conscience, etc.) at the door every morning? It's especially important now to trust your instincts.

Your Reputation is Your Most Valuable Asset: Keep it in tact! Whenever you opt to leave one organization for another, always conduct your departure in a way that the employer you are leaving would be happy to rehire you.

Don't rush in and start making changes. Nothing invites a negative impression faster than a new manager with a "ready, fire, aim" modus operandi. Take your time to become familiar with the organization's expectations and its people. Your actions need to demonstrate that you really care about both. When you do, your transition will become just the beginning of a great career move.

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This article is provided by http://www.coaching-for-new-women-managers.com to add value for Diversityworking.com members. Please visit us to learn more about job transitions and for in-depth management coaching online. Or contact us at http://www.coaching-for-new-women-managers.com/contact-us.html.

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