first-90-dayslisted

# The First 90 Days A structured framework for accelerating leadership transitions. Based on Michael D. Watkins' "The First 90 Days" — the definitive playbook for anyone starting a new role, whether it's a promotion, a lateral move, or joining a new company. The first 90 days set the trajectory for everything that follows. ## Core Principle **Transitions are the most critical — and most dangerous — times in a leader's career.** What you do in the first 90 days will largely determine whether you succeed or fail. The actions you take during your transition establish your reputation, shape how people perceive you, and build (or destroy) momentum. There is no "figuring it out as you go" — you need a plan. The fundamental challenge: you are simultaneously learning (absorbing massive amounts of new information) and being judged (people form opinions about you quickly and update them slowly). This dual pressure is what makes transitions so hard and so consequential. ## Scoring **Goal: 10/10.** When evaluating a transition plan, rate 0-10: | Score | Description | |-------|-------------| | 0-2 | No plan. Winging it. No structured learning or relationship building. | | 3-4 | Basic plan exists but doesn't account for the business situation (STARS). Key conversations are unplanned. | | 5-6 | Reasonable plan with learning goals and stakeholder mapping, but missing early wins or cultural adaptation strategy. | | 7-8 | Strong plan. STARS diagnosis done, 5 conversations planned, early