Your First 90 Days in a New Role

You have survived the interview process, negotiated your salary and given your notice. You have found the right role and are ready for your next chapter! But how do you navigate the first 90 days in a new role successfully? Here are some of our thoughts.

Transitions are critical. Michael D. Watkins, author of ‘The First 90 Days: Proven Strategies For Getting Up To Speed, Faster and Smarter’ surveyed more than 1300 Senior HR Leaders and almost 90% agreed that success or failure during the first few months of a new role is a strong predictor of overall success or failure in a job. You can transition smoothly, however.

Build Key Relationships.

Watkins advises that you should build key relationships early. Ask your boss, “Who is it critical that I get to know?” And then invite those people to coffee or lunch and pick their brains. Don’t just focus “vertically” on managers above you—also create “horizontal” alliances with colleagues. You want to have support at all levels and be seen as a person who is approachable.

Secure early wins.

Build credibility for yourself by being seen as someone who is learning and connecting with the organization. You could create an employee event, bring in a new account, improve a process or just make somebody’s day better by offering advice and a helping hand. Do your best to contribute in a meaningful way.

Listen to your new team.

Listening skills are underrated in a new role. Many people want to prove themselves so desperately, that they jump into things, offering their opinions before really knowing the culture of the team and how the group operates. Listen intently to everybody around you. Ask questions. Schedule coffee meetings with as many people on your team as possible and ask them about their professional journeys. This will establish rapport and trust.

Stop and Reflect.

Identify what areas you are excelling in, who you feel you have connected with and what missed opportunities there have been. As you move up, recognize that the skills that helped you excel at your last job won’t necessarily make you successful in your current role so do your best to fill the skill gap that may exist. I worked with a manager who was able to business develop excellently but could not delegate or manage her staff. Take an honest look at your vulnerabilities and then research the areas you can improve. You can then implement this insight for your next 90 days.

We would love to hear from you! Please feel free to comment or add your feedback on any of the topics discussed.