Below - Episode-01 Podcast (touch base, drop the ball, and on the same page):
Touch base, drop the ball, and on the same page.
In many workplaces, “hit the ground running” is meant as a compliment. It signals excitement and trust: “We think you’ll grow quickly and add value fast.”
But for many international professionals (and honestly, for anyone starting a new role), it can also sound like:
“Don’t ask questions. Don’t need training. Just perform immediately.”
What managers usually mean
When someone says, “We’d love for you to hit the ground running,” they often mean:
be proactive in your first weeks
learn the basics quickly
communicate early and often
start contributing in small, visible ways
A professional way to respond (confident + realistic)
You can show motivation and set expectations:
“Absolutely! I’m excited to get started. To hit the ground running, can we go over the top priorities for my first two weeks and who I should reach out to?”
That sentence does three things:
shows positive attitude
asks for priorities
asks for key participants (so you can move faster)
Plug-and-play lines (choose one)
“I’m ready to hit the ground running. What are the top 2–3 priorities you want me to focus on first?”
“To hit the ground running, what does success look like in the first 30 days?”
“Who should I reach out to this week to get context and avoid duplication?”
“What resources or documentation do you recommend so I can get this going quickly?”
Quick cultural note
If a company repeatedly says “hit the ground running” but doesn’t give access, context, or time with key people, it can be a sign of inadequate staffing. Asking the questions above is a professional way to protect yourself and still look strong.