Approach to becoming a top performer (first impression vs showing growth)

Secured an M&A position starting this February. Is it better to deliberately make an above average impression on the first days and then show tremendous growth, or should you be a top performer from day one with smaller margins for improvement?

5 Comments
 

Is this a joke? Always put up a strong performance. If you really think your best foot forward is perfect and immune to critique, then maintain that level of quality. There's literally no upside in having the impression that you're the "okay" guy who got better as opposed to being the guy who's crushing it day 1 unless you actively plan on getting shittier 

 

LOL - come on...  as if it needs to be spelled out for you- if you quickly gain a good impression as a hard worker, sharp, motivated, and fast study in the first 3-6 months, you can get away with a lot as you build tenure.  On the other hand, if you make one too many bad impressions on senior folks early on, they'll make a point to forget your name and write you off... 

 

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