When taking on a new job or joining another company during your career journey, you may experience several concerns, such as fear of failure, not meeting your superiors' expectations, your ability to adapt to the job's responsibilities, or integrating with the team.
In the early days, specifically, all eyes are on the newcomer’s performance—how competent they are and whether they will bring added value—while they, in turn, feel this pressure, fearing mistakes or conflicts.
It is important to note, however, that success and earning the trust of colleagues are attainable through several strategies, which can serve as a guide for anyone stepping into a new role.
1. Integrity and Sincerity in Work
An employee must exemplify honesty, trustworthiness, and dedication. Allah commands: “Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due” (An-Nisa: 58) and describes believers as: “And they who are to their trusts and their promises attentive” (Al-Mu’minun: 8).
Wherever a Muslim finds themselves, they should serve as a role model, performing their duties with sincerity, honesty, and excellence, avoiding the traits of hypocrisy as described by the Prophet ﷺ: “There are three signs of a hypocrite: when he speaks, he tells lies; when he makes a promise, he breaks it; and when he is entrusted, he betrays his trust” (Agreed upon).
2. Mastery and Excellence in Work
Delivering work with perfection is a vital aspect of job performance evaluation and complements the values of honesty and sincerity. It is illogical for someone to be trustworthy but neglect their work. An employee must strive to perform well, even if their supervisor is lenient, setting a positive example for others. The Prophet ﷺ said: “Allah loves when one performs a task with excellence.” Al-San‘ani explains in At-Tanweer Sharh Al-Jami‘ As-Sagheer that perfection refers to both excelling in and completing a task.
3. Humility and Avoidance of Arrogance
Avoid arrogance or excessive confidence, and don’t act as if you know everything. The Prophet ﷺ said: “Wealth does not diminish by giving Sadaqah (charity). Allah augments the honour of one who forgives; and one who serves another seeking the pleasure of Allah, Allah will exalt him in ranks” (Muslim).
Human development experts advise that overconfidence in your skills will not demonstrate competence but will earn you more adversaries than allies. As career consultant Gorick Ng of Harvard University suggests, it’s wise to appear eager to learn, adaptable, and enthusiastic about understanding the nature of the new work environment without pretension or exaggeration. Nevertheless, sharing additional skills with your boss may be beneficial, as it can be considered in evaluations or salary determinations.
4. Efficient Time Management
Avoid wasting time on excessive talking, phone calls, or browsing social media. One is accountable for their time before Allah on the Day of Judgment, as in the hadith: “Man's feet will not move on the Day of Resurrection before he is asked about his life, how did he consume it...” (Narrated by At-Tirmidhi, graded Hasan Sahih).
Leadership skills expert Mary Abbajay notes that excuses like taking time to find transport for your new workplace won’t justify repeated tardiness. Such behavior leaves a negative impression about your character.
5. Presentable Appearance
Select appropriate attire that suits the workplace and your job, in line with the Prophet’s saying: “Allah is beautiful and loves beauty.” The company you join may have specific dress codes or preferences, so it is best to consult your supervisor about the official dress policy. What is acceptable in casual settings may not align with corporate standards, especially if you are in a foreign country where it is essential to understand its rules and customs, including preferred attire.
In this regard, Umesh Ramakrishnan, Executive Vice President of a major recruitment firm, advises new employees: "Sit down with your new boss and ask about what irritates them, their working style, preferred communication methods, and any other details regarding your role."
In conclusion, the combination of integrity, excellence, humility, time management, and a presentable appearance ensures professional distinction and career advancement, all while seeking the pleasure of Allah before that of others.
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