Crafting Your First 90-Day Leadership Plan

As an emerging leader, the initial 90 days in your new role are critical. They set the tone for your leadership tenure, influence the perception of your team, and can significantly impact the success of your organization. This article will guide you in devising an effective 90-day leadership plan, drawing upon the wisdom of industry experts and proven strategies.

Introduction to the 90-Day Leadership Plan

The 90-day leadership plan is a strategic blueprint that outlines your goals, actions, and expectations for the initial three months in your new leadership role. It’s a balance of learning, planning, and action to understand the organization, build relationships, and drive early wins.

The Importance of the First 90 Days

According to the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) survey, transitioning into a new role is one of the most challenging times in a leader’s professional career. The performance during the first few months strongly predicts overall success in the role. Therefore, a well-crafted 90-day plan can substantially enhance your chances of success and ensure a smooth leadership transition.

Breaking Down the 90-Day Plan: The 30-60-90 Rule.

The 90-day plan can be divided into three distinct phases: the first 30 days, the second 30 days, and the final 30 days. This approach, also known as the 30-60-90 rule, allows for a systematic and phased approach to goal setting and achievement.

The First 30 Days: Learning and Observation

During the first 30 days, focus on understanding the organization’s culture, environment, and team dynamics. This period is about observation, absorption, and relationship building. It’s essential to foster a climate of mutual respect and trust.

Key Activities for the First 30 Days

1. Getting to Know Your Team: Arrange one-on-one meetings with each team member to understand their roles, responsibilities, and expectations.
2. Understanding the Business: Learn about the company’s operations, products, services, and market positioning.
3. Building Relationships: Foster relationships with key stakeholders, including your boss, peers, and subordinates.
4. Setting Expectations: Discuss your role, responsibilities, and expectations with your boss.

The Second 30 Days: Interaction and Engagement

The second phase of the 90-day plan involves deeper interaction with the team and a thorough understanding of their work dynamics. During this period, focus on asking insightful questions, collecting information, and building upon the foundations laid in the first 30 days.

Key Activities for the Second 30 Days

1. In-depth Team Engagement: Engage with your team members on a deeper level, understanding their working style and challenges.
2. Collaborative Decision-Making: Involve your team in decision-making processes, fostering a sense of ownership and collaboration.
3. Knowledge Expansion: Learn about other business areas and understand their processes and place in the business.

The Final 30 Days: Implementation and Leadership

The last phase of the 90-day plan is about stepping up as a leader. This is the time to start implementing changes, setting goals, and defining the future course for the team. Trust and rapport built during the first 60 days will be crucial during this phase.

Key Activities for the Final 30 Days

1. Leadership and Goal Setting: Introduce your leadership philosophy, build goals with the team, and outline the future direction.
2. Problem Solving and Change Implementation: Address the issues identified during the first 60 days and implement necessary changes.
3. Review and Reflection: Evaluate your performance during the first 90 days and plan for the future.

Conclusion: The Power of Patience

The 90-day leadership plan is not about immediate success or drastic changes. Instead, it’s about patience, learning, and gradual progress. Remember, leadership is about people and needs time to adjust to changes. So, take one step at a time, listen more, and lead with empathy and understanding.

Additional Information

As finance leaders, we understand the importance of strategic planning and attention to detail. The 90-day leadership plan is no different. It’s about carefully analyzing the current situation, planning for the future, and making informed decisions. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. So, pace yourself, plan your journey, and lead with confidence.

Remember, flexibility is the key to leadership. Be open to change, learn from your experiences, and adapt your strategies. After all, effective leadership is not about sticking to the plan but navigating the ship through stormy seas to reach the desired destination.