Since its original release, The First 90 Days has become the bestselling globally acknowledged bible of leadership and career transitions. In this updated and expanded 10th anniversary edition, internationally known leadership transition expert Michael D. Watkins gives you the keys to successfully negotiating your next move—whether you’re onboarding into a new company, being promoted internally, or embarking on an international assignment.

In The First 90 Days, Watkins outlines proven strategies that will dramatically shorten the time it takes to reach what he calls the “breakeven point” when your organization needs you as much as you need the job. This new edition includes a substantial new preface by the author on the new definition of a career as a series of transitions; and notes the growing need for effective and repeatable skills for moving through these changes. As well, updated statistics and new tools make this book more reader-friendly and useful than ever.

As hundreds of thousands of readers already know, The First 90 Days is a road map for taking charge quickly and effectively during critical career transition periods—whether you are a first-time manager, a mid-career professional on your way up, or a newly minted CEO.

Takeaways

Summary

• “The First 90 Days” by Michael D. Watkins is a guide for leaders transitioning into new roles, offering strategies and insights to help them succeed in their first three months. Here’s a summary of each chapter in three sentences:

  Chapter 1: Prepare Yourself

• Understand that transitions can be difficult and require a different set of skills than managing in a stable environment.
• Take time for self-reflection and assess your strengths and weaknesses.
• Learn from past transitions to better adapt to new situations.

  Chapter 2:  Accelerate Your Learning

• Identify critical areas of knowledge needed for success in your new role.
• Develop a learning plan to quickly gain relevant information and insights.
• Leverage both internal and external resources to build a comprehensive understanding of your new environment. ## Chapter 3: Match Strategy to Situation
• Assess the business situation you are entering and determine the appropriate strategic approach.
• Understand that different situations require different strategies, such as turnaround, realignment, or sustaining success.
• Tailor your actions based on the context of your organization.

  Chapter 4: Secure Early Wins

• Identify opportunities for early successes that can build credibility and momentum.
• Focus on initiatives that are achievable, visible, and valuable to the organization.
• Ensure that your early wins align with the organization’s strategy and culture.

  Chapter 5:   Negotiate Success

• Establish a productive working relationship with your new boss by understanding their goals and communication preferences.
• Develop a clear understanding of expectations and negotiate your role and resources.
• Continuously seek feedback and adjust your approach as needed.

  Chapter 6:  Achieve Alignment

• Assess the alignment of strategy, structure, systems, skills, and culture within your organization.
• Identify misalignments and determine the appropriate actions to address them.
• Engage stakeholders in the alignment process to ensure buy-in and commitment.

  Chapter 7:  Build Your Team

• Evaluate the capabilities of your current team and identify gaps or areas for improvement.
• Make personnel decisions, such as hiring, firing, or reassigning, based on your assessment.
• Foster a team culture that supports your strategic objectives and leadership style.

  Chapter 8:  Create Coalitions

• Identify key stakeholders who can support your initiatives and help you achieve your objectives.
• Build strong relationships with these individuals and groups by understanding their interests and concerns.
• Engage with them regularly and leverage their support to drive change and achieve results.

  Chapter 9:  Keep Your Balance

• Maintain a healthy work-life balance to ensure long-term success and personal well-being.
• Set boundaries to protect your personal time and manage your energy levels.
• Seek feedback from trusted advisors to maintain perspective and adjust your approach as needed.

  Chapter 10:  Accelerate Everyone

• Help your team members and the organization as a whole adapt to your new leadership style and objectives.
• Provide clear communication, support, and resources to enable their success.
• Encourage a culture of learning and continuous improvement to sustain momentum and achieve long-term success.

  Action Plan

  Prerequisites (Before Day 1):

• Assess your strengths and weaknesses through self-reflection.
• Learn from past transitions to better adapt to new situations.
• Research the organization, its culture, and the specific role you are taking on.

  Day 1-30:

• Develop a learning plan to gain relevant knowledge and insights quickly.
• Establish a productive working relationship with your new boss.
• Identify critical stakeholders and start building relationships with them.
• Assess the business situation and determine the appropriate strategic approach.
• Evaluate your team’s capabilities and identify areas for improvement.
• Secure early wins by identifying achievable, visible, and valuable initiatives.
• Begin addressing any misalignments within the organization.

  Day 31-60:

• Continue building relationships with stakeholders and expanding your network.
• Implement your early win initiatives and monitor progress.
• Make personnel decisions based on your team evaluation, such as hiring, firing, or reassigning.
• Further engage stakeholders in the alignment process.
• Seek feedback from your boss, peers, and team members, and adjust your approach as needed.
• Maintain a healthy work-life balance by setting boundaries and managing your energy levels.

  Day 61-90:

• Consolidate early wins and use them as a foundation for ongoing success.
• Foster a team culture that supports your strategic objectives and leadership style.
• Continue to address misalignments and ensure alignment of strategy, structure, systems, skills, and culture.
• Communicate your vision and goals clearly to the organization.
• Encourage a culture of learning and continuous improvement within your team and the organization.
• Regularly review your progress, seek feedback, and adjust your plan as needed to achieve long-term success.