---
title: 5 Questions to Ask When Starting a New Job
description: In this Harvard Business Review article, Michael Watkins helps you focus your energy in the early days of a new role for a successful transition.
---

# 5 Questions to Ask When Starting a New Job

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[Genesis   
 June 1, 2019 ](https://news.genesisadvisers.com/author/genesis)

- [The First 90 Days](https://news.genesisadvisers.com/tag/the-first-90-days)
- [Harvard Business Review](https://news.genesisadvisers.com/tag/harvard-business-review)
- 1 mins

In "5 Questions to Ask When Starting a New Job" (*Harvard Business Review*, April 2019) Michael Watkins writes, "The actions you take during your first few months in a new job have a major impact on your success or failure. Build positive momentum early on and it will propel you through your tenure. Make some early missteps and you could face an uphill battle for the rest of your time in the job." 

 

To focus your energy through this time of transition, ask yourself the following questions cited in the article and revisit them at regular intervals, making note of how your answers evolve:

##### 1. How will I create value?

##### 2. How am I expected to behave? 

##### 3. Whose support is critical?

##### 4. How will I get some early wins?

##### 5. What skills do I need to develop to excel in this role?

Read the [full article](https://hbr.org/2019/04/5-questions-to-ask-when-starting-a-new-job) to find out how to best manage the critical early days of your transition and beyond. 

Genesis provides onboarding and integration support for all levels with a variety of solutions and delivery modalities to suit your needs. 

![Genesis](https://news.genesisadvisers.com/hubfs/Marketing/Graphics%20-%20General%20Use/Genesis%20Logos/Genesis%20logo.png)

### Genesis

Genesis is a global provider of leadership development programs, coaching, and transition acceleration solutions for individuals, teams, and organizations. Genesis offerings are based on the research of Michael Watkins, co-founder and author of the book "The First 90 Days." Genesis provides a comprehensive range of programs, coaching processes, and consulting services aimed at speeding up transitions at all levels, from front-line managers to C-level executives.

<https://news.genesisadvisers.com/author/genesis>

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