One early morning after a downpour, as I drove past the national highway, a dead dog was lying by the roadside—its body torn open, its blood washed thin by the rain. A few meters away, another lifeless cat lay sprawled near the gutter. That sight, as common as it has become, always makes me question this supposed “sixth sense” that animals are said to possess—the mysterious instinct to detect danger before it strikes.

I’ve heard people swear that before an earthquake, the chickens grow restless, the dogs howl, and the birds vanish from the trees. In the countryside, these stories are told with an air of certainty, as if nature itself whispers its secrets to animals first. It’s a belief passed through generations, sometimes reinforced by coincidence—a dog barking before a tremor, or cows refusing to move before a storm. But I’ve learned that superstition and science often walk different paths. While it’s true that some animals can sense subtle environmental changes—such as vibrations, temperature shifts, or changes in air pressure—this does not mean they can always interpret these signals as a danger, nor does it mean they can always escape it.

In fact, the animal kingdom is as vulnerable as ours, sometimes even more so. When a flash flood rushes through a village, not only do people drown, but also goats, pigs, and dogs tied to posts. During typhoons, countless birds are torn apart mid-flight, and fish are hurled ashore by storm surges. If these creatures indeed have some premonitory awareness, it does little to save them. Survival often depends less on instinct than on circumstance—whether there’s a tree to climb, an opening to flee through, or a human who cares enough to untie the rope.

I don’t discount the fascinating studies that show elephants detecting distant thunder or snakes sensing tremors through the ground. Those are marvelous adaptations, but they don’t imply foreknowledge of disaster; they merely indicate responsiveness to stimuli. The danger lies not in acknowledging animal sensitivity, but in romanticizing it. When we say animals “know” what’s coming, we grant them human intuition they do not possess, turning their reflexes into prophecies and their confusion into wisdom. It’s our human tendency to explain what we don’t fully understand by cloaking it with mystique.

Perhaps the reason such beliefs persist is that they offer us comfort. We like to imagine that someone—if not us, then the creatures around us—has a head start against danger. There’s reassurance in thinking that the dog’s sudden bark or the bird’s abrupt flight is a coded warning, a way for nature to speak. It feeds our yearning for connection to something larger, to a natural order we can no longer hear directly because we’ve become too civilized, too distant from the wild. Yet, ironically, this faith in animals’ foresight masks our own failure to prepare, to learn, and to adapt.

Whenever I see dead animals on the road, I think of how unfair it is that they get blamed for not escaping what they could never predict. A dog crossing a highway doesn’t know about speeding trucks, nor can a carabao sense a bridge collapse seconds before it happens. They’re not prophets—they’re survivors in a world designed by humans, a world that often doesn’t make room for their instincts. Our roads, our noise, our concrete—all these mute whatever primal sensitivity they might have once had. And so, they perish, not for lack of instinct, but for lack of space to act on it.

There’s also the irony that we expect animals to do what we ourselves fail to do: anticipate disaster. We build homes in flood-prone areas, cut trees without thought, ignore weather warnings, and still we mock nature when it retaliates. Maybe we find comfort in believing that animals sense danger better than we do because it excuses our negligence. But no, animals die too—sometimes first, last—and their deaths remind us that nature spares no one, not even her own.

I think it’s time we stop burdening animals with mythical powers they never claimed. Instead of expecting them to foresee calamities, we might learn more by observing how they live despite them—alert, adaptive, and instinctively responsive to the world as it is, not as it might be. Their senses are tools for survival, not fortune-telling. And if there’s a lesson in their silence, it’s that danger, once it comes, spares neither the wise nor the wild. It simply arrives—and like the rain-washed carcass on the highway, it leaves behind the same, humbling truth: instinct alone is never enough.

The first 90 days in any new role are critical. They’re a period of intense learning, adaptation, and relationship-building that sets the tone for your long-term success. While the specifics will vary depending on the industry, company, and role, certain fundamental questions should guide your thinking and actions during this crucial initial phase. These ten areas will guide your transition, build strong foundations, and ensure long-term success.

1. What are the three most important goals for this role in the first 90 days?

Don’t get bogged down in the minutiae. Identify the most impactful contributions you can make early on. This requires understanding the team’s immediate needs and aligning your efforts with the company’s overall strategic goals. Discuss these priorities with your manager to ensure alignment and avoid wasted effort.

2. Who are the key stakeholders I need to build relationships with?

Success in any role depends heavily on effective collaboration. Identify the individuals whose support and collaboration are essential for your success. This includes your manager, team members, key clients, and other relevant departments. Proactively schedule meetings, build rapport, and understand their perspectives and expectations.

3. What are the unspoken rules and cultural norms of this organization?

Every organization has its own unique culture, often communicated through unspoken rules and norms. Observe carefully, ask questions (tactfully!), and learn how things are done. Understanding the organizational culture will help you navigate social dynamics, build relationships, and avoid unintentional missteps.

4. What are the existing processes and systems I need to understand?

Familiarizing yourself with the key processes and systems in your new role is crucial for a successful transition and ongoing performance. This involves more than simply understanding the basic functions; it requires a deeper understanding of how these processes and systems interact and contribute to the overall goals of the organization.

ere’s a breakdown of what that entails:

Identify Key Processes: Begin by identifying the core processes directly related to your responsibilities. These might include workflows, procedures, decision-making processes, and communication channels.

Understand System Functionality: Learn how the various systems used within your role operate. This could include software applications, databases, communication platforms, project management tools, and any other technology used in your daily work. Don’t just learn the basics—explore the advanced features and functionalities to maximize efficiency.

Document Your Learning: Create a personal knowledge base to document your understanding of processes and systems. This could be a simple notebook, a digital document, or even mind maps. This will serve as a valuable reference point as you settle into your role.

Seek Mentorship and Guidance: Don’t hesitate to seek guidance from experienced colleagues or mentors. They can provide valuable insights and shortcuts, helping you navigate the complexities of the systems and processes more efficiently.

Observe and Participate: Actively observe how experienced team members utilize the processes and systems. Participate in real-world tasks to gain practical experience and identify areas for improvement or clarification.

Ask Questions: Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Clarifying uncertainties early on will prevent misunderstandings and potential errors down the line.

Continuous Learning: Recognize that processes and systems can evolve. Stay updated on changes and new developments to maintain efficiency and effectiveness.

By thoroughly familiarizing yourself with the key processes and systems, you’ll gain a strong understanding of your role, improve your efficiency, and contribute effectively to the organization’s success. This proactive approach will significantly contribute to your overall success and integration into the team. This might involve learning new software, understanding internal workflows, or grasping established communication protocols. Efficiently mastering these systems will significantly improve your productivity and integration into the team.

5. What are the team’s strengths and weaknesses?

Assess the team’s capabilities and identify areas for improvement. This understanding will inform your contributions and allow you to leverage the team’s strengths while addressing potential weaknesses. Contribute to a positive and collaborative team environment.

6. What are the biggest challenges facing the team and the organization?

Understanding the challenges facing the team and the organization is crucial for identifying opportunities to contribute meaningfully. This involves actively listening, asking insightful questions, and engaging in discussions to gain a comprehensive understanding of the current landscape.

7. What resources are available to support my success?

Find and utilize available resources—mentorship, training, documentation, and colleagues—to support your learning and growth. This might include mentorship programs, training courses, internal documentation, or access to experienced colleagues. Proactively utilize these resources to accelerate your learning curve and enhance your performance.

8. What are my personal learning goals for the first 90 days?

Set personal learning goals that align with the priorities of the role and your long-term career aspirations. This might involve mastering a new skill, improving a specific competency, or expanding your knowledge of a particular area. Regularly review your progress and adjust your goals as needed.

9. How will I measure my success in this role?

Define clear and measurable goals for your first 90 days. These goals should align with the top priorities you identified earlier and provide a framework for assessing your progress. Regularly track your progress and discuss your achievements with your manager.

10. What feedback mechanisms are in place, and how will I solicit regular feedback?

Proactively seek feedback from your manager, team members, and other stakeholders. This will help you identify areas for improvement and ensure you’re on track to meet expectations. Establish regular check-in meetings and actively solicit feedback throughout the 90-day period.

Beyond the Questions: Action and Adaptation

These ten questions are not merely points for contemplation; they are springboards for action. The first 90 days are a time for active learning, relationship building, and strategic planning. Regularly reviewing your progress against these questions, adapting your approach as needed, and maintaining open communication with your manager will significantly increase your chances of a successful and fulfilling transition into your new role. Remember, this is a period of intense learning and adaptation; embrace the challenges, seek feedback, and continuously strive to improve. The foundation you build in these initial 90 days will significantly impact your long-term success and contribution to the organization.
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If you have any questions or would like to share your thoughts on the column, feel free to send an email to jca.bblueprint@gmail.com. Looking forward to connecting with you!