The Honeymoon Period of 90 Days

Psychologists say give at least three months for a person to adjust to his new environment. Why 90 days? It is not an exact period, but a person generally takes three months to adapt to a new situation. Sanya came to see me after five months she joined her new job in a multinational company. She was upset that she was not treated with the same warmth by her boss and team members as before.

When she joined the company, she was given high preference and individual attention by the boss. The company had high expectations of her as she brought great experience in the financial sector as a marketing executive to the company. She was happy to leave her old firm when the new job offer came with an attractive package. Until last month she was excited about her new company. Unfortunately, she now started to regret her decision to leave her previous firm.

For Sanya, this was her second job. She joined as a trainee in the previous firm, where every small achievement she made got recognised, and she moved in her career ladder to be a senior marketing executive within four years. But that was not the case in the new company. The company appointed her with high expectations based on the merits of her expertise. She should prove the same to the new employer. She thought she was hard-working, and her company was happy with her performance. But, she started to feel void and upset.

If the company is happy with her performance, then what is Sanya’s issue? A detailed introspection revealed that Sanya was missing the honeymoon period of the first 90 days in her new firm. Every employee will experience this honeymoon period when they join an organization. It is the most exciting and entertaining period for any employee. As everyone knows you from opinions and no one experienced what you really are, they will possibly give you the best treatment. You, too, should realise the fact that it is your honeymoon period with the new firm. During the honeymoon period, you must utilise the first 90 days wisely and create a strong personal impact.

Anything can happen in the first 90 days. You can get strong in the organisation or get aborted or sidelined. Even for a pregnant woman, the first three months are the crucial time. The doctor advises you to take special care in the first 90 days. Everyone takes care of you like a queen during the first three months.

The first 90 days period is the transition time for you in any new position, whether in the same organisation or a new one. You should be using that time to understand the culture of the organisation, the behaviour of the new team, the type of team cohesion, and the politics of the organisation. You should familiarise yourself with the new culture and blend it with the behaviour. During the honeymoon period you can:

Promote yourself - Physical activity can provide an outlet for your emotions, especially if you're about to erupt. Go for a brisk walk or a run, swim, or play. Punching a boxing dummy can help release aggression due to anger.

Learn and perform - If you say everything in anger, you are likely to say something you will regret. When you are angry, it's easy to get sidetracked. You may bring unrelated issues to the table. It can be helpful to write down what you want to discuss to stick to the issues.

Be a strategist - Instead of focusing your anger, focus on what made you angry. Try to work with the person who angered you to resolve the issue at hand.

Create an impression - Speaking from I perspective will help you avoid criticism or blame. If you criticise or blame others can make them angry and lead to a fight. Instead of focusing on the persons involved, focus on the issue at hand to be resolved.

Create a functional relationship - If you can forgive the other person, it will help you both. It is unrealistic to expect everyone to behave the way you want. Forgiveness is not forgetting or allowing the other person to repeat the mistake. When forgiving, you must remember the lessons learned and adapt the best new functional relationship with the person.

It is better to prove yourself in the first 90 days and adapt to new situations. Do remember, every honeymoon period will come to an end. Thrive for more achievements to enjoy more and more honeymoon periods.