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Harvard Business Review contributor Michael Watkins says your first steps after starting a new job can determine if you’ll succeed or constantly face uphill battles.  To provide focus and intent, he says to ask yourself these five questions.

• How will I create value?  Find out what each stakeholder you’re tied to expects you to accomplish and when, and how your progress will be measured.  Know that opinions among stakeholders may vary. 
• How am I expected to behave?  Organizational cultures have rules – formal and informal – that guard against undesired behavior. Get to know them.
• What support is critical? This will help you navigate key alliances and understand political undertones.  
• How will I get some early wins? Early successes create positive momentum.  
• What skills do I need to develop to excel?  What you know got you here.  Now, it’s important to know what skills will help you thrive in your new role.

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