Starting a New Job? Here's a 90-Day Plan from Harvard

Summary

In 'The First 90 Days', Dr. Michael Watkins outlines key strategies for new hires to reach their break-even point swiftly, where their contributions equal what they receive from their team. He identifies common pitfalls such as relying too much on past skills and setting unrealistic expectations. The video emphasizes the importance of recognizing blind spots, creating a structured learning agenda, negotiating success metrics with managers, and securing early wins to build trust and credibility. By following these actionable tips, new hires can effectively navigate their onboarding experience and set the stage for long-term success.

Takeaways

• 😀 The break-even point is when new hires create as much value as they receive, essential for assessing onboarding success.
• 😀 Common pitfalls for new hires include sticking to what they know, trying to do too much too quickly, and setting unrealistic expectations.
• 😀 Recognizing blind spots is crucial; new hires must understand that past successes don't guarantee future performance.
• 😀 A simple exercise can help identify blind spots by scoring interest in various business areas, revealing where new skills may be needed.
• 😀 Accelerating learning involves creating a structured learning agenda with key questions to focus on essential areas during onboarding.
• 😀 New hires should negotiate success with their managers by establishing clear, measurable goals for their first 30, 60, and 90 days.
• 😀 Securing early wins is important; small successes can build momentum and trust with colleagues, even if they are not directly tied to core metrics.
• 😀 First impressions matter; they are formed within the first 30 days based on shared values, energy, and performance standards.
• 😀 Thoughtful questioning, observation of cultural norms, and making realistic commitments can enhance credibility and collaboration.
• 😀 Building a virtual cycle of good decisions leads to increased trust, which accelerates learning and helps reach the break-even point more quickly.

Q & A

What is the break-even point for new hires?

The break-even point is when a new hire has produced as much value for their team or organization as they have received.

Who is Dr. Michael Watkins and what is his relevance to new hires?

Dr. Michael Watkins is a former professor at Harvard Business School and the author of *The First 90 Days*, a book that outlines strategies for new hires to succeed quickly in their roles.

What common traps do new hires often fall into?

New hires often stick to what they know, try to do too much too fast, and set unrealistic expectations, which can lead to a cycle of poor decisions and mistrust among colleagues.

What is a 'virtual cycle' in the context of onboarding?

A virtual cycle is initiated when new hires make good initial decisions, which fosters trust among colleagues, enhancing their ability to learn and succeed in their roles.

How can new hires identify their blind spots?

New hires can identify their blind spots by using a scoring exercise to evaluate their interest and ability in various business areas, allowing them to recognize areas where they may lack skills.

What is the learning agenda framework suggested by Dr. Watkins?

The learning agenda framework includes standardized questions about the past, present, and future that help new hires focus on the most important areas to learn during onboarding.

Why is it important to negotiate success with your manager?

Negotiating success with your manager helps set clear expectations and measurable goals, making it easier to track progress and ensure alignment on performance metrics.

What are 'early wins' and why are they significant?

Early wins are actions that help new hires build momentum and establish credibility with colleagues, even if they are not directly tied to core performance metrics.

How can new hires create a positive first impression within the first 30 days?

New hires can create a positive first impression by demonstrating shared values, maintaining high energy, and showing a commitment to performance through thoughtful questions and realistic commitments.

What role do mentors play in a new hire's onboarding process?

Mentors can provide valuable insights and guidance, helping new hires navigate their roles and understand key processes, thereby accelerating their learning and adaptation.