Start Your New Job Right

So you landed your new job.  Great.  Now what?  Just like new parents have to immediately flip the switch from pregnancy-focused to parenting-focused, so do the legions of people who land a new job.  The job seeker becomes the newbie.  So how do you start your new job right?  Scott McDowell, Hannah Morgan, and Katharine Brooks make some good points in these articles.  As Pianaman routinely cuts to the chase, here are my crystal ball offerings:

1. Learn the Lingo.  A brand new corporate culture presents many new focal points and buzzwords.  Plus, many new acronyms abound!  You need to soak it all up like a sponge.  Here's your chance to hone two important skills... listen and observe. 
2. Flatten the Perceived Learning Curve.  Although the expression 'steep learning curve' is used with opposite meaning, it's generally understood to mean a difficult initial learning process.  So, get an easy win, and get up to speed quickly.  This will make a great first impression on many people in the organization. 
3. Clean Slate Effect.  This is a double-edged sword, but absolutely take advantage of the positives.  Whatever your weaknesses are, here's your golden opportunity to greatly improve upon them.  No one has any preconceived notions about you, so step out of your comfort zone and work on these shortcomings.  In the long run, this will greatly help you become a well-rounded, respected co-worker.
4. Manage Expectations.  Make sure to stay on the same page with your boss from day 1 regarding his/her expectations of you.  Overcommunicate if you have to on this one (yes, it's that important).  This person is most critical to your job satisfaction and future at this company.
5. Network.  Just because you've landed a new job doesn't mean you can stop networking.  Not only can networking help you build your name at your new company, it helps for all future jobs down the road.  Just remember, all jobs are temporary.