Michael Watkins’ The First 90 Days is a masterclass in navigating leadership transitions, offering practical insights and actionable strategies. Here are the key lessons learned from the book:
1. The Importance of Speed in Transitions
Time is of the essence when stepping into a new role. Watkins emphasizes the need to accelerate your learning curve, build relationships quickly, and secure early wins. The first three months set the foundation for long-term success, and failing to act decisively can lead to missed opportunities and loss of credibility.
2. Early Wins Build Momentum
Securing small but visible victories early in your role builds trust and confidence among your team and stakeholders. These wins demonstrate your capability, establish credibility, and create a positive ripple effect, setting the tone for future initiatives.
3. Adopt a Learning Mindset
Entering a new role requires humility and curiosity. Leaders must actively seek to understand the organization’s culture, key players, and challenges. Talking to people at all levels, both inside and outside the company, is crucial to gaining insights that inform better decision-making.
4. Tailor Your Strategy to the Situation
Not all leadership transitions are alike. Watkins introduces the STARS framework—Start-up, Turnaround, Accelerated Growth, Realignment, and Sustaining Success—as a way to diagnose your new environment. Each scenario requires a unique approach, and understanding the situation is key to crafting the right strategy.
5. Build and Strengthen Relationships
Success in leadership roles often hinges on relationships. Building alliances within your team, across departments, and with external stakeholders is critical. Coalitions provide support, enable faster implementation of ideas, and mitigate resistance to change.
6. Evaluate Your Team Effectively
Early in the transition, leaders must assess their team’s strengths and weaknesses against the organization’s needs. Watkins advises making difficult but necessary adjustments promptly to align the team with the challenges ahead.
7. Set Expectations with Your Manager
Clarify expectations with your boss early on, including priorities, deliverables, timelines, and resources. This ensures alignment and prevents misunderstandings. Clear communication builds trust and positions you as a proactive leader.
8. Promote Yourself to Your New Role
Transitioning to a new role means letting go of old habits and embracing new responsibilities. Watkins warns against relying too heavily on what worked in previous roles. Success requires adapting to new demands, adopting fresh strategies, and continuously growing.
9. Balance Quick Wins with Long-Term Strategy
While securing early wins is crucial, leaders must also develop a vision and strategy for sustainable success. Striking the right balance ensures you’re not just putting out fires but also building a foundation for future growth.
10. Prepare for Resistance and Learn from Mistakes
Transitions are often fraught with challenges. Resistance from peers or team members and early missteps are inevitable. Watkins encourages leaders to approach these setbacks as learning opportunities, refining their approach and strengthening their resolve.
Final Takeaway
The First 90 Days teaches that successful transitions require preparation, adaptability, and intentionality. Leaders who approach their new role with a clear strategy, focus on building relationships, and prioritize learning are more likely to thrive. Whether you’re moving to a new role in the same organization or taking on a completely different challenge, the principles in this book offer a practical roadmap to navigate the critical first three months.
