1. Be prepared
"Part of my preparation was to do a lot of reading, but also to have conversations with people who knew the institution and were familiar with the role," Brigid says. "What is the culture of the organisation? What could it be? And why would you change anything?
"Show that you have spent time getting to know the organisation; that you have invested effort in being knowledgeable about the things you will contribute to."
2. Be open
"From day one, come wearing your listening knickers and observing hat," Brigid says. "Manage your excitement and share some of that energy; convey that you are really proud to be there, and enthusiastic about the role and the contributions you can make. Translate your excitement into connectivity.
"Your new colleagues will be interested in you as a person and what you represent before they are interested in what you are going to do. Be prepared to be present and engaging; don't rush to make decisions in your first few weeks."
3. Be yourself
"Be very clear who you are going to be and what you stand for," Brigid says. "You will not have the energy to constantly reinvent yourself to suit each and every cause that comes across your desk. You do the best job when you present the best of yourself, and you will be your best self when you are authentic and genuine."
4. Communicate
"I allow myself half an hour each week to write a note to staff about what I have been doing," Brigid says. "It's my personal commentary on my week's experiences and enables people to connect with me, for students and staff to step in and share my role in a professional and respectful way."
5. Check your shoes, listen to others and have a laugh
"Make sure you are wearing very, very comfortable shoes, check that your shoelaces are tied, and keep looking forward," Brigid says. "In my role, I might not see an outcome for 10 or 20 years or ever; you just have to be confident that you have laid the appropriate foundations and provided the right steering at the right time.
"It's also important to seek the wise counsel and advice of your peers and colleagues. Be prepared to stress-test your ideas and take constructive feedback, to help develop a sense of perspective.
"But don't take your own publicity too seriously. Always try to see the funny side of things."
