As a newly hired leader, your first 90 days are vital for establishing a solid foundation and gaining momentum. While it may feel overwhelming at times, remember that you have the skills and abilities to succeed. Consider breaking down your approach into three distinct phases to make the transition more manageable and less intimidating. By doing so, you’ll set yourself up for success in this new leadership position. This is your opportunity to shine and cultivate a winning team that will drive improvement and growth for the company.
Phase 1: Investigate and Start Building Relationships
- Prioritize building relationships and understanding the organization’s culture, structure, and goals.
- Engage with team members and listen actively. It is crucial to gather information and evaluate the current state of affairs.
- Observe how things operate, familiarize yourself with the team dynamics, and gain insights into existing processes and procedures.
- Connect with your team members, peers, and other stakeholders by scheduling one-on-one meetings to introduce yourself, learn about their roles and responsibilities, and understand their expectations and key challenges they face.
- Seek input from team members and leverage their expertise to shape your plans.
Phase 2: Planning and Communicating
- Begin formulating your vision for the future and developing a strategic plan based on the insights gathered.
- Setting realistic goals, delegating responsibilities, and fostering collaboration are essential to building trust and motivating the team.
- Share your expectations with your team and discuss the collective goals you want to achieve.
- Articulate your vision for the team and the path forward by clearly communicating your goals, priorities, and the strategies you plan to implement.
- Clear communication is vital to aligning the team and gaining their support.
- Ensure that everyone is aligned and has a clear understanding of the direction you want to take.
- Delegate responsibilities appropriately to empower your team members and build their skills and be mindful of their strengths and weaknesses and provide support where needed.
- Align your team’s objectives with the organization’s broader objectives, and ensure everyone understands their roles in achieving them.
Phase 3: Implementing and Monitoring
- Now it is time to implement the strategic plan you developed and closely monitor progress and adjust when necessary to stay focused on the long-term goal.
- Introduce changes and improvements to enhance team performance and achieve desired outcomes.
- Communicate the reasons behind the changes and help your team navigate the transition. Encourage feedback and be open to suggestions from team members.
- Continuously seek opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Attend relevant training programs, network with industry professionals, and stay up to date with the latest trends and best practices.
- Set an example of ongoing learning for your team.
- Encourage collaboration, innovation, and a positive work environment.
- Lead by example and promote open communication, transparency, and respect among team members.
- Recognize and reward achievements, and provide constructive feedback when necessary.
- Identify some quick wins that can be achieved within the first 90 days that can boost team morale, demonstrate your effectiveness as a leader, and create positive momentum for the future.
Throughout the 90 days, it is important to actively seek feedback, be open to learning, and stay flexible. Additionally, you should modify your strategy to fit the specific requirements of your group, as these duties may vary depending on the specific organization, industry, and role.
You can set yourself up for success in your new role by following this systematic approach. It is your time to shine!