The First 90 Days® - 5 key questions for your new role

Summary

The first few months in a new role are crucial for success or failure. New leaders face challenges such as navigating a complex environment and staying focused. Key strategies include asking essential questions about value creation, stakeholder expectations, and progress measurement. Understanding the organization's culture, building alliances, and creating early wins are vital for momentum. Leaders must recognize that the skills that got them the role may not be enough for continued success. These questions should guide them from the recruitment process through the critical first months.

Takeaways

• 🚀 The initial actions in a new job significantly influence your overall success or failure.
• 🌟 Transitioning into a new role is an exciting opportunity to reshape an organization and grow personally.
• 🔍 There's a period of vulnerability as you climb the learning curve and navigate a new organizational environment.
• 🎯 Staying focused is the biggest challenge for new leaders, so it's crucial to have guiding questions.
• 🤔 Key questions to ask include: How will you create value? What is your mandate? What do stakeholders expect? How will your progress be measured?
• 🏢 Understanding the organizational culture and norms is essential for effective leadership.
• 🤝 Building the right relationships and alliances is vital for gaining the necessary support to achieve goals.
• 🛠️ Focus on areas where early improvements can be made to create momentum and demonstrate your effectiveness.
• 🏆 Recognize that the skills that got you the role may not be sufficient for long-term success; continue to assess and develop your capabilities.
• ⏳ Start asking yourself the key questions during the recruitment process and continue throughout your tenure in the role.

Q & A

What impact do the first few months in a new job have on overall success or failure?

The actions taken in the first few months of a new job have a major impact on overall success or failure, as they are critical for shaping how effectively you transition into the role.

What opportunities do new roles provide?

New roles provide opportunities to reshape an organization, take on new challenges, and facilitate personal and professional growth.

Why are transitions into new roles considered periods of vulnerability?

Transitions into new roles are vulnerable times because you face a steep learning curve, navigate a complex organizational environment, and there are many potential pitfalls.

What is the biggest challenge new leaders face?

The biggest challenge new leaders face is staying focused amid the demands of the new role and environment.

Why is it important to have orienting questions in a new leadership role?

Having orienting questions helps maintain focus by guiding actions and decisions. These questions help leaders clarify their purpose, create value, and meet key stakeholders' expectations.

What are some key orienting questions to ask before and during a new role?

Key questions include: How will you create value? What is your mandate? What do key stakeholders expect of you? Over what time period? How will your progress be measured?

What role does organizational culture play in a new job?

Organizational culture defines the norms of behavior and expectations that you must understand and navigate to succeed in your new role.

Why is understanding key stakeholders important?

Understanding key stakeholders is crucial because building the right relationships and alliances ensures the support you need to accomplish your goals.

How can focusing on early improvement help in a new role?

Focusing on areas for early improvement creates a sense of momentum, helping you build credibility and demonstrate your ability to generate positive change.

Why might the skills that got you the role not be enough to succeed in it?

The skills that helped you secure the role may not be sufficient because the demands of the new role may require additional capabilities for long-term success.