The DONT’s When Starting A New Job Or Working With A New Client

Starting a new job after 17 years felt like my first day of school all over again. I hadn’t been the new kid for a long time; it felt both exhilarating and a little unnerving.

While this can be a good thing if you’re able to channel this level of excitement, you have to make sure you’re not falling into a series of traps – or, as I call them, DON’T’s.

Even now,  when I’m working with new clients at Cresso Collective, I still keep all these DON’Ts in mind – because they’re as relevant as ever.

And I’m sharing them with you so you know what to avoid when starting out fresh, whether it’s at a new job or with new clients:

  1. DON’T ARRIVE WITH ANSWERS. Take time to listen first. When I landed a new leadership role after 17 years with one company, it felt like starting over. I quickly realized the importance of taking time to listen, understand the context, and grasp the history of where I was, so I could better shape my role within the broader setting.
  2. DON’T ACT TOO FAST. Understand your organization’s needs before making changes. Before launching initiatives, I took time to build relationships and understand what my new organization truly needed. For anyone stepping into a new role, laying this foundation is crucial. Without it, even the best strategies won’t have the desired impact.
  3. DON’T DIMINISH PAST ACCOMPLISHMENTS. Honor the work that’s already done. I’ve learned the importance of acknowledging the hard work and wins of those who came before me. While it’s an honor to work with new clients, acknowledge and celebrate what they’ve done to get the business where they are today.
  4. DON’T INITIATE TOO MANY CHANGES AT ONCE. Avoid overwhelming your team. It may not feel as intense when I’m driving change, but for those receiving it, too much change all at once can be overwhelming. Be sure to be mindful of the change process. Pace it to avoid swamping your team. That way, they’ll stay aligned with the transition.
  5. DON’T UNDERESTIMATE THE VALUE OF RELATIONSHIPS. Build connections first. Getting to know people – not just the systems or processes – is an absolute game-changer. The moment you prioritize relationships over everything else, your progress accelerates quickly.

Make sure to keep these DON’Ts in mind. Use them as a guide to build strong foundations and create lasting relationships that help you thrive in new environments.

Avatar photo
Bethany Parker

Bethany Parker is the Founder & CEO of Cresso Collective and a seasoned fractional COO. She has led organizations as CXO, COO, and CEO at AVL Growth Partners, Xero, and SquareTwo Financial, and today invests in innovation as a Limited Partner and angel investor. Bethany is known for her expertise in operational strategy, scaling companies, and guiding high-growth teams, with a passion for human-centered leadership and lasting impact.