90 days to master your new role 🎯

A new challenge awaits you ? After more than a decade of guiding professionals through transitions, I understand just how critical those first moments are. From the moment you step in, all eyes will be on you. The expectations ? Enormous. The time to prove yourself ? Extremely limited, especially in a leadership position. 

Did you know that more than 20% of new hires leave their position within the first 45 days, according to the presentation Help New Hires Succeed: Beat the Statistics by the Wynhurst Group (SHRM) ? This includes even experienced professionals and executives. 

So, why do some succeed where others fail? It’s not just about technical skills or the environment. Your success depends, first and foremost, on you. 

The first few months are not just a phase of adaptation. They’re your opportunity to stand out, avoid misunderstandings, and lay the foundation for lasting success. 

📋 Building Success in 3 Steps

The Art of Observation (Days 1–30) : The temptation to act quickly is strong. However, the most successful professionals and executives take the time to :

Decode their ecosystem :

• Understand the company’s vision, mission, and values
• Observe leadership styles and decision-making processes
• Identify preferred communication channels (e.g., preference for in-person meetings vs. written communications)

Map the dynamics :

• Determine who truly influences decisions
• Identify informal networks
• Understand how information flows

Spot opportunities for impact :

• Sometimes, optimizing a recurring process (like a weekly report) can create more value than a major transformation.

Targeted Action (Days 30–60) : This is where your expertise meets your understanding of the context

• Achieve your first quick wins: For example, simplify a procedure that frustrates everyone or improve a tool used daily
• Build credibility by aligning your actions with identified priorities
• Validate your assumptions before making any major changes
• Document your early successes, even modest ones

Measurable Impact (Days 60–90) :

• Quantify your improvements: time saved, increased satisfaction, reduced errors
• Implement solutions tailored to the context
• Expand your influence strategically
• Prepare to present tangible results

🚫 Pitfalls to Avoid

1. Rushing :

• Trying to change everything too quickly
• Making decisions without understanding the history
• Skipping the observation phase

2. Isolation :

• Too much remote work during the onboarding process
• Failing to schedule key meetings in advance
• Delaying important connections

3. Ego-driven mistakes :

• Trying to prove your value too quickly
• Judging existing practices too harshly
• Lacking humility when learning

4. Poor feedback management:

• Not asking enough questions
• Assuming you understand without validating
• Ignoring subtle warning signs

🔑 Keys to Success

• Take the reins : Don’t rely solely on the onboarding program. Be proactive in your learning and seek regular feedback.
• Build your network : Your best allies aren’t always the most visible. A seasoned analyst or a long-time colleague can be more valuable than a distant director.
• Track your progress : The higher the position, the more important it is to demonstrate your added value in tangible ways.

🗓️ Your Immediate Action Plan

Week 1 :

• Identify the 5 key people critical to your success
• Pinpoint the 3 priority challenges for your role
• Create your personal progress dashboard

First Month :

• Validate your understanding of the organization
• Focus on 2–3 quick and visible improvements
• Build your influence network

First Quarter :

• Deliver your first measurable results
• Incorporate feedback received
• Position your initiatives for greater strategic impact

💡 Key Takeaway

Our proposed approach is based on field observations and inspired by the book The First 90 Days. If needed, we can also provide you with a highly practical document or connect you with experienced coaches on the topic should you wish to dive deeper.

Remember, your success depends on your ability to observe before acting, build strong relationships, and deliver value progressively and thoughtfully.

Integration is a strategic marathon, not a sprint!

Wishing you great success in your new adventure!

Marie-Ève Cloutier, CRHA