Question for experienced tanks.

[Argyle_Darkheart]

Research your job's opener, rotation, and preferred GCD speed(s). Looking at a job guide is also helpful to make sure you understand the full breadth and depth of your job's kit and any nuances it may have. Then, go practice on a dummy, a lot. Trust me, don't underestimate the value of this (I still regularly practice on a dummy).

You don't need to be doing optimal DPS, particularly as a tank, but you will be performing your rotation at all times (or trying to). The more you ingrain your rotation, the less you'll focus on it—you want it to become "natural."

Getting to this point is important as it'll allow you to concentrate more on fight mechanics, positioning, CD management, etc.

Once you're reasonably comfortable with your job fundamentals, enter fights in ascending difficulty. Encounter research isn't imperative depending on who you're running with, but it's good etiquette and will accelerate the learning process.

Communicate with your party. Ask if you're making any mistakes or if there's anything you could/should be doing differently. Ideally, you should also ask for their reasoning. As long as you come off as polite and earnest, people will be more than happy to help, if they're able.