The initial 90 days in a new managerial role are pivotal for both the manager and their team. This period is a foundation for establishing effective leadership and cultivating trust among team members. It necessitates a multifaceted approach, encompassing various aspects such as acquainting oneself with the company's culture, policies, and procedures while also delving into an in-depth understanding of the team's strengths, weaknesses, and dynamics.
As a new manager, I have found that each element plays a crucial role in laying the groundwork for success. However, there are instances where focusing more intensely on one aspect can yield significant benefits. For example, while transitioning into a new team, I discovered that the team's overarching goals were well-defined and ambitious. However, upon closer examination, it became apparent that there were underlying issues related to workplace culture that needed attention.
In such scenarios, dedicating additional time and effort to understanding the intricacies of the team's cultural dynamics proved invaluable. By delving deeper into the challenges surrounding workplace culture, I was able to identify areas of improvement and initiate collaborative efforts to address them. This involved conducting thorough assessments, engaging in open dialogue with team members, and brainstorming innovative solutions to foster a more positive and inclusive culture.
By prioritizing the enhancement of workplace culture during the initial 90-day period, I not only strengthened the bonds among team members but also laid the groundwork for improved morale, productivity, and overall team cohesion. This experience highlighted the importance of adaptability and strategic focus, as well as the need to tailor my approach based on the team's specific needs and dynamics.
In essence, while the first 90 days present a broad spectrum of areas to address, there are instances where allocating additional attention to certain aspects, such as workplace culture, can yield transformative outcomes. By recognizing and addressing these nuances, new managers can effectively navigate the challenges of their role and pave the way for long-term success and growth within their teams.
My suggestion would be to open a document on your computer and copy the template. Then, start brainstorming what you are seeing with possible solutions. This doesn't have to be shared with anyone else, so I wouldn't worry about making it too formal. As you draw towards the end of the 90 days, I would then make it more formal and share it with your manager. This helps them understand what you see and what you would like to accomplish. Make it more formal and share it with your manager. This helps them understand what you see and what you would like to accomplish.
Establishing credibility and authority. To achieve this, the new manager should demonstrate their competence, set clear expectations, and build trust with their team. For instance, they might take charge of a critical project early on and lead it to successful completion. Regular and transparent communication about project statuses and team goals can further build trust and set clear expectations.
Understanding team dynamics. During the first 90 days, the manager has the opportunity to observe and assess the dynamics within the team. Conducting one-on-one meetings with each team member can help them learn about their professional goals, personal interests, and any challenges they face. This understanding allows for tailored leadership approaches and the resolution of conflicts.
Setting the tone and culture. The manager can positively influence the workplace culture by introducing regular feedback sessions that encourage openness and mutual growth or by initiating team-building activities that promote a cohesive and collaborative environment. These actions foster open communication and continuous improvement.
Building key relationships. Establishing early relationships with stakeholders is crucial for support and smooth operations. This could involve scheduling meetings with key clients to reassure them of continued excellent service or collaborating closely with other department heads to ensure alignment with broader company objectives. Such relationships help navigate organizational politics and achieve team objectives.
Strategic planning and goal setting. The manager should focus on developing a strategic vision for the team early on. This could include leading a workshop to define the team's mission and set measurable, achievable goals aligned with the company's long-term strategies. Ensuring that every team member understands their role in contributing to the organization's overall success is essential.
Achieving quick wins. Early successes can build momentum and boost team morale. For example, identifying and swiftly resolving long-standing inefficiencies demonstrates leadership capabilities and their impact on the team and organization.
Learning and adapting. Managers must familiarize themselves with organizational processes and systems and adapt to the corporate culture and values. Participation in cross-departmental meetings or training sessions helps align with the organization's values for long-term success and integration.
Each area is vital for a new manager to effectively establish themselves within the organization and pave the way for their team's future achievements. By paying attention to each key area and taking action, managers can set themselves and their teams up for long-term success.
Template to use:
New Manager's 90-Day Action Plan
1. Establishing Credibility and Authority:
- Demonstrate your competence by:
- _______________________________
- Set clear expectations by:
- _______________________________
- Build trust with your team by:
- _______________________________
2. Understanding Team Dynamics:
- Observe and assess team dynamics by:
- _______________________________
- Conduct one-on-one meetings with team members to:
- Learn about their:
- Professional goals
- Personal interests
- Challenges they face
3. Setting the Tone and Culture:
- Positively influence workplace culture by:
- Introducing:
- Regular feedback sessions that encourage:
- Openness
- Mutual growth
- Team-building activities that promote:
- Cohesiveness
- Collaboration
4. Building Key Relationships:
- Establish early relationships with stakeholders by:
- Scheduling meetings with:
- Key clients to reassure them of:
- Continued excellent service
- Other department heads to:
- Ensure alignment with broader company objectives
5. Strategic Planning and Goal Setting:
- Develop a strategic vision for the team by:
- Leading a workshop to:
- Define the team's mission
- Set measurable, achievable goals aligned with:
- Company's long-term strategies
6. Achieving Quick Wins:
- Boost team morale by:
- Identifying and swiftly resolving:
- Long-standing inefficiencies that demonstrate:
- Leadership capabilities and impact
7. Learning and Adapting:
- Familiarize yourself with organizational processes and systems by:
- Participating in:
- Cross-departmental meetings
- Training sessions to align with:
- Organizational values for long-term success and integration
By focusing on these key areas and taking proactive steps, you will effectively establish yourself within the organization and pave the way for your team's future achievements. Best of luck on your journey as a new manager!