The Power of Y.O.U. and Successfully Onboarding Your First 90 Days at Work. 

Set Yourself Up for Success in Your New Role

Congratulations on your new job! The first 90 days are crucial in establishing your reputation,  managing your boss, understanding company culture, and setting the foundation for long-term success. Here’s a roadmap to help you navigate your onboarding process effectively:

1. Week 1: Absorb and Observe
   • Understand written company values, policies, and expectations.
   • Build rapport with your manager and team members through lunches and coffee chats. Listen more than you speak. 
   • Ask questions and take notes to clarify your role and responsibilities.
   • Secure early wins by identifying and addressing immediate needs. (From Watkins’ “The First 90 Days”)
   • Begin to observe various types of power dynamics and unspoken rules of workplace interactions. (From Reardon’s “The Secret Handshake”)
   • Align with Your Boss’s Priorities: Have an initial meeting to understand their expectations, preferred communication style, and key goals.
2. Weeks 2-4: Build Relationships and Begin Learning to Navigate Processes and People
   • Engage in one-on-one meetings with key stakeholders. Set up meetings with peers and identify potential champions and blockers. Identify the influencers. 
   • Seek feedback on your initial work and adjust accordingly.
   • Familiarize yourself with tools, processes, and workflows.
   • Identify key alliances that will support your success. (From Watkins’ “The First 90 Days”)
   • Learn the art of strategic communication and persuasion. (From Reardon’s “The Secret Handshake”)
3. Months 2-3: Contribute and Take Initiative
   • Establish a 30 – 60 – 90 day plan. Share it with your boss. Get approval on your goals ensuring they align with your Manager’s goals.  Take ownership of projects and showcase your strengths.
   • Identify opportunities for efficiency and innovation.
   • Continue developing relationships and establishing your professional brand. Find ways to build alliance with key influencers and protect yourself from blockers. 
   • Learn how to balance quick wins with long-term strategy. (From Watkins’ “The First 90 Days”)
   • Develop political savvy to navigate workplace dynamics effectively. From your stakeholder list, label the political profile from the 4 types outlined. (From Reardon’s “The Secret Handshake”)
4. End of 90 Days: Reflect and Plan Ahead
   • Schedule a check-in with your manager to discuss your performance progress against stated goals, gain feedback for any course correction for refining goals.
   • Set long-term objectives for growth within your team and the company.
   • Celebrate your successes and prepare for continued visibility and positive impact. 
   • Create a personal development plan with key skills to acquire or strengthen and developmental activities to build and sustain momentum. (From Watkins’ “The First 90 Days”)
   • Strengthen your influence by understanding informal networks of power. (From Reardon’s “The Secret Handshake”)

By following this roadmap, you’ll position yourself as a valuable asset to your new team. Remember, onboarding is a process—stay proactive, adaptable, and engaged!

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