Hi there
My name is Egor Krasnoperov. I'm a co-founder of https://mockin.work/ and work as a Design Director. Today, I want to share these thoughts with you. If you're starting a new journey, I hope my tips will help make this phase more manageable and empowering. Remember, a probation period is an opportunity—and it's in your hands to make the most of it.
Probation periods are a topic not often discussed, yet something almost everyone goes through. It can be a stressful time: you’re part of the team but still under evaluation. That sense of uncertainty can be draining.
When I was navigating my own probation period as a Design Director, I decided to create a simple guide for myself. It helped me organize my thoughts, manage the anxiety, and focus on what really mattered.
It’s not just you being evaluated during the probation period — the company is also on trial. No workplace has perfect processes, especially when you’re still getting up to speed. Ask yourself honestly: Am I comfortable working in this company? Do I feel like I can make an impact here? If your expectations don’t align, that’s absolutely OK. Open communication is key — most concerns can be resolved with constructive feedback.
One of the critical factors for success during probation is aligning expectations. Have an open conversation with your manager about what’s expected of you in the first month, second month, and so on. If expectations aren’t clear, take the initiative to propose a plan and get it approved. Regularly update your manager on your progress and ask for feedback. Document agreements in writing and send summaries after meetings—this helps avoid misunderstandings.
Don’t expect step-by-step instructions. Be proactive! Make a list of people you need to meet and explore all available documentation. The faster you understand how the product, company, and processes work, the easier it will be to integrate.
Pay close attention to how your colleagues work and how processes are structured. If you notice inefficiencies or gaps, resist the urge to change things immediately. First, dig deeper to understand why these processes exist and how they function. This insight will help you distinguish between areas that genuinely need improvement and those where following established practices is best.
Identify small tasks or projects you can quickly complete that deliver meaningful results. These “quick wins” will help you build trust with your team, showcase your skills, and establish your presence. They also allow you to integrate into the workflow and foster positive relationships with your colleagues.
Transparency is one of the most important aspects of a successful probation period. Share your progress, highlight your results, and don’t hesitate to request or give feedback. Open communication fosters trust with your colleagues and leadership and demonstrates your commitment to collaboration and growth.