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Your First 90 Days as a Manager: A Fun Guide to Kicking Butt

Your first 90 days as a manager? It’s like stepping onto a rollercoaster—thrilling, a bit dizzying, and you’re secretly hoping you don’t lose your lunch. But here’s the good news: you don’t need to be a management wizard to rock this. With a few smart moves, you can win your team’s trust, set a killer vibe, and start building something awesome. Ready to make those first three months unforgettable? Let’s dive into a fun, no-BS guide to crushing it as a new manager!

Why Your First 90 Days Are a Big Deal

Think of these 90 days as your grand entrance. It’s your shot to show your team you’re the real deal, get a feel for the company’s groove, and plant the seeds for a team that’s pumped to work together. Your team’s sizing you up, wondering, “Is this person legit?” No pressure, but you’ve got this! Here’s a catchy playbook to make your debut sparkle—packed with tips to keep your team cheering and your stress level low.

1. Be the Boss They Want to Brag About

You don’t need a cape to prove you’re awesome—just show your team you’re capable and trustworthy. Here’s the game plan:

• Nail a big win early: Pick a project that’s juicy but doable, and steer it to success. Boom—you’re already lookingBusy busy like a pro.

• Set the vibe: Tell your team what you expect and what they can count on from you. Try, “I’ll keep us on track with weekly huddles, but I’m always here if you’re stuck.”

• Earn their trust: Be the manager who shows up—reply to messages, start meetings on time, and do what you say. Consistency is your secret sauce.

2. Crack the Code on Your Team’s Vibe

Every team’s got its own flavor—some are all about loud brainstorms, others keep it chill and solo. Your job? Figure out what makes them tick:

• Play detective: Watch who’s chatty, who’s quiet, and where things flow or hit a snag. It’s like reading the room, but for your whole team.

• Get personal (in a good way): Set up one-on-ones and ask fun, real questions: “What’s the best thing about your job? What’s driving you nuts? Where do you want to go next?” These chats are your ticket to knowing what lights them up.

Pro tip: Spot any weird tension? Don’t ignore it. A quick, “Hey, that meeting felt off—what’s up?” shows you’re tuned in.

3. Create a Team Vibe 

You’re not just managing tasks—you’re setting the mood for how your team rolls. Make it a place where people want to show up:

• Make feedback cool: Start regular check-ins where everyone can share ideas or gripes. It’s like a team jam session—everyone gets a solo.

• Bond like buddies: Kick off with low-key team-building, like a coffee run or a “what’s your superpower?” icebreaker. Keep it real, and watch the vibes soar.

I once joined a team that felt like a library—nobody talked! I started “no-agenda Fridays” where we just chatted about work or life. Suddenly, people opened up, and we were tighter than ever.

4. Schmooze the Right People 😂

You’re not flying solo—your success depends on connections across the company. Start charming the socks off key players:

• Woo the bigwigs: Meet with clients or stakeholders and say, “I’m here to keep things awesome—let me know how I can help.” Instant trust.

• Buddy up with other teams: Grab coffee with department heads to get the lowdown on how your team fits into the big picture. It’s like joining a club—you want to know the rules.

5. Dream Big, Plan Smart

Your team needs a North Star, and you’re the one to point the way. Don’t get stuck in the daily grind—think big:

• Paint a picture: Host a team workshop to nail down your mission and set goals that vibe with the company’s plans. Make it fun—think sticky notes and snacks.

• Start small: Pick a few short-term goals that scream “we’re killing it!” so everyone feels the momentum.

6. Score Some Easy Wins

Nothing says “we’re on fire” like a quick victory. Hunt for small fixes with big impact:

• Solve a pain point: Find that one process or tool that’s making everyone groan, and fix it. Your team will love you.

• Shout it out: When you win, hype up the team. A quick, “Y’all crushed this—look how much smoother this is now!” goes a long way.

One time, I noticed my team was wasting hours on a clunky report. We streamlined it in a week, and the cheers were louder than a concert.

7. Learn the Company’s Groove

Every workplace has its quirks—think of them as the company’s personality. Get to know them fast:

• Dive into the details: Join cross-department meetings or trainings to learn the systems and processes. It’s like learning the rules of a new game.

• Vibe with the culture: Figure out what the company’s all about—speed? Teamwork? Excellence? Lean into those values to lead like a natural.

Hack to Stay on Top

Open a doc and jot down what you’re seeing—team quirks, pain points, or genius ideas. It’s your private brain dump, so keep it messy. As your 90 days wind down, clean it up and share a slick version with your boss. It’s like handing them a roadmap of your awesomeness.

You’re Gonna Crush It!

Your first 90 days are your chance to shine, connect, and build a team that’s ready to take on the world. You don’t need to be perfect—just show up, listen like a pro, and lead with heart. Follow these seven steps, sprinkle in your own flair, and you’ll have your team singing your praises in no time. Let’s make those first 90 days legendary!