First 90 Days

Transitions are times of vulnerability. If you establish credibility and secure early wins you will build momentum. If you stumble early on, you can get into a hole that’s hard to climb out of.

About First 90 Days

10 Success Strategies for the First 90 Days of a New Job

(adapted from The First 90 Days by Michael Watkins)

1. Prepare Yourself. Think about the transition ahead of time and the complexities involved:
   • Is it a whole new organization or department?
   • Is it a newly created role? How much definition exists around the role?
   • Is the department, unit or institution going through significant change or growth?
2. Accelerate Your Learning. You will be learning your new job, of course, but it is also important to understand the organization/department’s mission & objectives, key players, success metrics and culture. Ask people for talks. Key questions:
   • How did we get to this point?
   • Why are things done this way?
   • What have the goals been?
   • Who are the key players, past present and future?
   • What are the biggest challenges faced, past, present and future?
   • How do you think that I can add value in this role?
3. Establish a productive working relationship with your boss.
   • Figure out: expectations, working style, resources, personal development and communication (how/how often)? It’s OK to express your preferences (e.g. autonomy, lots of feedback, flexibility, frequent check-ins), but it’s your responsibility to adapt to your boss’s style, not vice versa.
   • Don’t surprise your boss with bad news; loop them in early; don’t approach a boss only with problems. Try to offer solutions when you broach challenges.
4. Match your strategy to the situation and workplace.
   • What is the preferred mode of communication (Email? Informal chats? Scheduled meetings?)
   • What can be delegated and what must you do yourself?
   • How is conflict handled? Is it okay to openly air grievances or debate and argue?
5. Build credibility, win trust, create value and improve results early on.
   • Is there something that you can do quickly, with modest expenditure of time, money and effort, that will yield operational or organizational gain? Can you remove a bottleneck?
   • Caveat: Don’t force it.
6. Align your efforts with organizational priorities.
   • Figure out the strategy and ask yourself how you can advance it. Speaking in terms of overarching strategy will show your boss and teammates that you grasp the big picture.
   • Keeping strategy/mission in mind can help you make decisions.
7. (if taking on direct reports) Build your Team.
   • If you are taking on direct reports, you need to evaluate, align and mobilize them.
   • Willingness to make tough personal calls and select the right people for the right positions are key success drivers.
   • Be respectful. Listen. Ask questions. In meetings, ask quiet people for their view.
   • Praise, but also offer honest feedback.
   • Don’t trust your first impressions completely.
   • Eventually, you will have to articulate a vision for your team. The more it dovetails with organizational strategy, the better.
   • Once you have articulated a vision, reinforce, reinforce, reinforce. Establish regular communications. Convey expectations. Celebrate success.
8. Create Coalitions – success doesn’t happen in a vacuum!
   • Think about key stakeholders and people you rely on to make things happen. Befriend them and build networks across the organization. “Map the influence network.”
   • Put yourself in the shoes of others. How can you help them and why is it in their interest to help you?
   • Aristotle’s framework for explaining human behavior: People act for reasons of Logos, Ethos and Pathos (Logos is logic, Ethos is values. Pathos is emotion). Appeal to people on all levels!
9. Keep your balance.
   • Transitions can be difficult! You must preserve your ability to focus on the important stuff, avoid losing perspective and make good decisions.
   • Be careful about overcommitting, failing to set boundaries early on, becoming isolated or avoiding conflict or tough conversations.
   • Take stock of how you’re doing emotionally throughout. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t suffer in silence.
10. Show gratitude and respect for people’s time and experience.
    • Your transition also means transition for people around you! Thank people for taking time out to train you or share insights with you.
    • Take advantage of orientation materials or programs already developed.
    • Ask others how they got up to speed.
    • If there are areas where you can start contributing early, go for it!

Workshop Materials

Workshop presentation:

Additional Resources:

• Advice from MSHE alumni “Words of Wisdom”
• Inspired Higher Ed Professionals Need a Story that Answers ‘Why?’ )
• Simon Sinek TED talk that focuses on ‘Why’
• How to Appear More Confident at Work