Stepping into a managerial role for the first time is both exciting and challenging. I remember my first time in a leadership role. I had worked towards it, and finally I was there. While I was thrilled, I still felt the weight of the responsibility. This role was no longer just about me, but also about the people around me.
The initial 90 days are crucial for setting the tone of your leadership and establishing your place within the team. This time is often filled with learning and adjustment. New managers face various responsibilities and expectations while integrating into an existing team dynamic.
By following a structured 30-60-90 day plan with focused themes—aligning, executing, and performing—you can navigate this transition smoothly. This guide breaks down your first three months into actionable steps across four key areas: priorities, learning, key wins, and personal development.
You can also leverage this structure as an experienced manager when joining a new team or company.
First 30 Days: Aligning
Align with your team, organization, and new role.
Priorities
Team Connection: Make it a priority to meet with each team member individually to understand their roles, strengths, and challenges. Organize one-on-one meetings to learn about their roles, goals, and obstacles. For example, if a team member is struggling with a specific task, you can identify solutions that align with their strengths.
Build Relationships with Stakeholders: It is equally vital to build relationships with your peers and upper management. Gathering insights about their expectations can help you align your team with wider organizational goals.
For example, conducting a brief survey of your colleagues can reveal common challenges and best practices within the department. This collaborative effort can also ease your transition into leadership.
Clarify Expectations: Meet with your supervisor to grasp your responsibilities, key objectives, and performance metrics.
Understand Organizational Goals: Familiarize yourself with the company's mission, vision, and strategic objectives to ensure your team's goals align accordingly.
Learning
Company Culture: Observe the formal and informal practices within the organization to understand the cultural nuances. Understanding the organization's culture is key during this period. For instance, according to a study by the Society for Human Resource Management, 47% of employees leave their jobs within the first 90 days. Grasping unspoken rules and traditions can help new managers lead effectively.
Team Dynamics: Learn about team processes, ongoing projects, and how team members collaborate. Observe how members work together and assess their individual skills. You might find, for example, that a team member excels in data analysis but struggles with presentation skills.
Understanding these strengths and weaknesses allows you to delegate tasks more effectively. It can also guide training or development initiatives to fill skill gaps.
Industry Trends: Stay informed about the latest developments in your industry to provide relevant insights.
Key Wins
Quick Improvements: Identify and implement small changes that can have an immediate positive impact, such as streamlining a minor process.
Effective Communication: Establish regular team meetings and communication channels to ensure everyone is informed and engaged. Schedule check-ins to review progress, tackle any issues, and share important updates.
These interactions foster transparency and reinforce accountability. For example, weekly stand-up meetings can help everyone stay aligned and address challenges head-on.
Set Initial Goals: Collaborate with your team to set short-term, achievable goals that contribute to larger objectives. Align these goals with the organization’s objectives so everyone is working toward the same targets. For instance, if your department aims to increase productivity by 15%, your team can set specific milestones to contribute to that goal.
Clearly defined objectives serve not only as a roadmap but also enhance motivation among team members.
Personal
Self-Assessment: Reflect on your leadership style, strengths, and areas for improvement.
Time Management: Develop a schedule that balances meetings, planning, and personal time.
Seek Feedback: Encourage your team and peers to provide honest feedback on your performance. Collecting feedback from previous managers and team members can provide valuable insights into your team's performance and areas needing attention.
Research shows that teams who seek feedback regularly improve their performance by 20%. This information can help you adjust your leadership strategies and focus on areas that require improvement.
Days 31-60: Executing
Execute on plans and strategies while fostering team collaboration.
Priorities
Implement Strategies: Begin rolling out plans that align with team and company goals.
Enhance Team Collaboration: Encourage cross-functional teamwork to break down silos and promote knowledge sharing. Involve your team in the goal-setting process. This inclusive tactic ensures that everyone feels valued and encourages responsibility for achieving results.
Research indicates that teams committed to their goals are 28% more likely to exceed performance expectations. By giving them a voice, you can build a stronger commitment to the goals set.
Monitor Progress: Regularly review the team's performance against set objectives and adjust as necessary.
Learning
Advanced Processes: Dive deeper into the company's systems, tools, and workflows to optimize efficiency.
Skill Building: Participate in management training or workshops to enhance your leadership capabilities.
Anticipate Resistance and Adapt: Change can be a tough pill to swallow for established teams. As a new manager, expect some resistance to new ideas or processes.
Listen to team members' concerns and address them proactively. This approach not only alleviates fears but also builds a foundation of trust.
Key Wins
Project Milestones: Achieve significant progress on key projects, demonstrating your ability to drive results.
Process Improvements: Identify and implement enhancements that increase productivity or reduce costs.
Team Recognition: Acknowledge and celebrate the team's achievements to boost morale and motivation. Recognizing individual and team successes—no matter how small—is essential. Celebrations foster a positive culture and motivate team members.
A simple acknowledgment of a job well done can increase overall morale and engagement, enhancing team performance.
Personal
Expand Network: Build relationships with stakeholders in other departments to broaden your influence and collaboration opportunities.
Stress Management: Practice techniques to manage stress and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Mentorship: Consider finding a mentor who can provide guidance and support as you navigate your new role.
Days 61-90: Performing
Deliver results and establishing yourself as an effective leader.
Priorities
Drive Performance: Focus on achieving or surpassing targets and KPIs set for your team.
Strategic Planning: Start developing longer-term strategies that will sustain and enhance team performance.
Empower Team Members: Delegate responsibilities effectively to develop your team's skills and confidence.
Learning
Market Positioning: Gain a deeper understanding of your company's position in the market to inform strategic decisions.
Advanced Leadership: Continue to refine your leadership approach based on experiences and feedback.
Innovation Opportunities: Stay alert to new ideas and technologies that could benefit your team and organization.
Key Wins
Achieve Goals: Meet or exceed the goals set during your first 30 days, showcasing your leadership impact.
Team Development: Identify and nurture potential leaders within your team, contributing to succession planning.
Positive Feedback: Earn recognition from superiors and peers for your contributions and leadership style.
Personal
Reflect and Adjust: Evaluate your progress over the past 90 days and make adjustments where necessary.
Career Planning: Set personal career goals based on your experiences and aspirations.
Celebrate Success: Acknowledge your hard work and the milestones you've achieved in your new role.
Your first 90 days as a new manager are pivotal in shaping your leadership journey. By aligning with your team and organization, executing strategic plans, and performing to deliver results, you establish a strong foundation for ongoing success. Focus on your priorities, commit to continuous learning, aim for key wins, and don't neglect your personal development. Remember, effective management is a journey of growth—for both you and your team.
Interviewing for a TPM Manager role? Check out the ultimate TPM Manager's interview guide and top TPM Manager interview questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should a new manager focus on during their first 90 days?
A new manager should prioritize building relationships, understanding team dynamics, aligning with company goals, setting clear expectations, and achieving early wins to establish credibility and trust.
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