Michael D. Watkins

The First 90 Days

1. IDEA 1

   The first months decide a lot

   Watkins argues that the first ninety days in a new leadership role are critical. Leaders who move wisely through this period build credibility and momentum, while those who stumble can struggle for a long time.

2. IDEA 2

   Prepare for the new role

   Watkins encourages leaders to mentally promote themselves, letting go of old roles and habits. New jobs require new skills. In Watkins's view, a person who holds on to the old role may keep acting as before, and so struggles to meet the new job's demands.

3. IDEA 3

   Learn quickly

   Watkins argues that new leaders must learn about the organisation, its culture and its problems quickly. Structured learning helps. In Watkins's view, the sooner a new leader understands people, history and problems, the sooner they can make good decisions.

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