Calibrate Before You Accelerate: Bias Toward Action in a New Role

Upon transitioning from Monzo to Engine by Starling, I found myself grappling with an all-too-common sentiment: the pressing need to demonstrate my capabilities right away. It’s perfectly natural to want to make an immediate impact when beginning a new role. We all desire to show up, dive in, and start making things better. However, wielding the impulse to act without considering the broader context is akin to wielding a sledgehammer without first consulting the blueprints.

A misstep can lead to significant repercussions. Here’s how to harness your natural inclination toward action without carelessly disrupting the process. Listening can be considered an action when executed with intention. In your inaugural weeks, prioritize engaging with your environment through attentive, deliberate listening. This serves as the link between gathering information and taking decisive action.

It necessitates focused, analytical thinking. The objective is to utilize your bias toward action responsibly and efficiently. This approach isn’t about delaying progress; rather, it’s about ensuring that every move is purposeful and directed towards areas that truly require intervention. So, the next time you find yourself in a new setting, resisting the urge to overhaul everything on your first day: pause.

Set aside the sledgehammer. Retrieve the blueprints. The substantive work will still be awaiting you when you’re truly prepared to construct.