Your First 90 Days

You have just accepted a new job as a leader for a company – congratulations! As the ink dries on your contract and you’re figuring out your calendar and benefits package, there is one investment that will pay greater dividends than anything else: learning the organization you are about to lead.

The first 90 days are a rare window. You are given latitude to ask questions. You can shape first impressions, establish credibility and lay the foundation for long-term success.

Here are some powerful questions to guide your thinking during this critical period.

Learn the History: Understand the Story You’re Entering

Every role exists in a story that began before you arrived. Understanding the past helps you avoid repeating mistakes and shows respect for what already exists.

Who came before you in this role? Where is that person now?

If this is a new role, why was it created? Who supported its creation? (and who didn’t?)

What is the history of the organization? (who founded it, when and why? How has the company evolved?)

Learn the Culture: How Things Really Work Around Here

Culture is not what’s written on the website. It’s what gets rewarded, tolerated and ignored. Culture determines how your actions will be interpreted, beyond what you intended.

What is the culture of the organization overall, your business unit and the team you will lead?

How does the company actually make money? Who are its customers, competitors, biggest challenges and recent wins?

Which of your natural leadership tendencies will be seen as aligned with the culture and which might feel “countercultural”?

Learn the People: Relationships Build Results

Leadership is relational before it is strategic.

Who is on your team? What are their strengths, challenges and pain points?

Who are the official leaders and the unofficial influencers? What are the lines of communication?

Who do you need to build strong relationships with to be successful?

Who will give you honest feedback?

Make Your Plans: From Observation to Action

Listen and then act.

What skills and experiences do you bring that are most relevant here?

What do you still need to learn?

What “quick wins” can build early momentum and credibility?

What longer-term initiatives align with the organization’s strategy and mission?

How to Find the Answers

There are many ways to gather insight during your first 90 days:

One-on-one conversations with stakeholders

Observing meetings and decision-making patterns

Seeking input from mentors

Working with an executive coach

The more deliberately you observe, listen and reflect during this period, the more effective your decisions will be, not just in your first 90 days, but in the years that follow.