Winning Your First 90 Days in a New Job: A Strategic Guide to Success

Starting a new job is both exciting and challenging. Whether you're stepping into a leadership role or joining a team as a specialist, the first 90 days are critical in setting the tone for your success. This period requires preparation, adaptability, and strategic execution. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate and win your first 90 days with confidence.

1. Analyze the Job Description (JD)

Understand your key responsibilities and requirements and do the self-assessment to find out the skills gaps for your own improvement. Identify the expectations set for your role and align your efforts accordingly.

Action Step: Thoroughly review the job description and highlight key responsibilities, required skills, and deliverables. Break these into weekly objectives to measure your progress effectively. Create a checklist to track your alignment with job expectations.

2. Research the Company

Dive deep into the company’s products, services, vision, mission, core values, culture, and structure. The more you know, the easier it will be to align with the organization’s goals.

Action Step: Study the company’s website, annual reports, press releases, and social media presence. Understand its history, mission, vision, core values, and business model. Identify the organization’s market position, competitors, and industry trends.

3. Study the People & Stakeholders

Identify key stakeholders, decision-makers, and influencers. Understand their expectations and how your role interacts with them.

Action Step: Identify key internal and external stakeholders, including your direct team, cross-functional partners, and leadership. Map out their roles, influence, and priorities. Schedule introductory meetings to understand their expectations and collaboration styles if required.

4. Learn About Your Line Manager & Team Members

Your manager and colleagues play a crucial role in your success. Understand their working styles, leadership, ability, expectations, and how you can contribute effectively.

Action Step: Observe your manager’s leadership style, communication preferences, and priorities. Align your working style with their expectations. For team members, understand their strengths, roles, and preferred ways of working to foster collaboration.

5. Reflect on Your Past Experiences

Leverage past lessons and experiences that are relevant to your new role. Adapt them to fit your new environment.

Action Step: Identify past work experiences that are relevant to your new role. Prepare to apply lessons learned from previous successes and challenges. Document key achievements and strategies you can leverage in this new position.

6. Prepare Questions to Ask

Curiosity is key. Asking insightful questions will help you gain clarity and demonstrate your eagerness to learn and to perform your assigned tasks and preparation.

Action Step: Develop a list of thoughtful questions to gain clarity on your role, company goals, team dynamics, and key projects. Focus on queries that show strategic thinking, such as “What are the biggest challenges the team is facing?” or “What does success look like in this role?”

7. Anticipate Questions & Solutions

Think ahead about potential questions from your manager, peers, or stakeholders, and prepare well-thought-out responses.

Action Step: Predict common questions from your manager and peers regarding your experience, approach, and expectations. Prepare well-thought-out responses and potential solutions to early challenges.

8. Set Realistic Expectations & Manage Them

Understand what is expected from you and communicate your goals clearly. This prevents misalignment and misunderstandings for your fist 90 days.

Action Step: Establish SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals for your first 30, 60, and 90 days. Discuss them with your manager to ensure alignment and recalibrate as necessary.

9. Make a Positive First Impression

Your first day matters. Arrive prepared, professional, and enthusiastic. Confidence and positivity set the stage for success.

Action Step: Dress appropriately, maintain a confident and professional demeanor, and engage actively in conversations. Show enthusiasm and curiosity while being a good listener.

10. Be Well-Prepared for Your First Day

Ensure you have all necessary documents, a clear understanding of your onboarding process, and an open mindset to learn and to perform.

Action Step: Review any onboarding materials, company policies, guidance and key project details beforehand. Have necessary documents ready, and prepare an introduction that highlights your background and excitement for the role.

11. Build Trust in Your Performance

Trust is earned through consistent actions, reliability, and delivering results.

Action Step: Deliver on small commitments early to establish reliability. Follow through on deadlines, communicate proactively, and provide quality work.

12. Maintain Self-Control in All Situations

Stay composed, especially in stressful or uncertain situations. Emotional intelligence is key and accept the fact. Turn challenges and difficulties into lessons and they are a part of the success journey.

Action Step: Manage stress effectively by practicing mindfulness, deep breathing, or exercise. Respond thoughtfully to feedback or criticism rather than reacting emotionally.

13. Align with Your Line Manager

Regularly check in with your manager to ensure alignment on priorities, expectations, and key objectives. Dare to seek supports and share your views if any.

Action Step: Schedule regular one-on-one meetings with your manager. Clarify expectations, seek feedback, and update them on your progress and challenges.

14. Identify Key Milestones for the First 90 Days

Break down your first three months into phases with specific objectives to track your progress.

Action Step: Break down your first 90 days into phases:

• First 30 Days: Learn and absorb company culture, expectations, and processes.

• Next 30 Days: Start contributing meaningfully by taking on tasks and projects.

• Final 30 Days: Demonstrate impact by solving problems and driving results.

15. Ask the Right Questions & Take Notes

Note important information, decisions, and expectations. This helps with recall and demonstrating your attentiveness. Quality notes and information contribute to your effective and trusted decisions.

Action Step: Take detailed notes in meetings, especially about company goals, team priorities, and challenges. Revisit notes before meetings to ensure continuity in discussions.

16. Be Mindful of Your Words & Attitude

Every interaction matters. A positive and professional attitude will earn you respect.

Action Step: Speak professionally, listen actively, and avoid making negative assumptions. Express appreciation and show respect in all interactions.

17. Absorb Information Before Sharing Ideas

Listen, observe, and understand the company’s dynamics before proposing changes or new ideas.

Action Step: Spend time observing before making recommendations. Understand why current processes exist before suggesting changes.

18. Solve Challenges & Problems Gradually

Don’t rush to solve everything at once. Prioritize and tackle challenges strategically.

Action Step: Prioritize issues based on impact and feasibility. Address urgent problems first while working on long-term solutions.

19. Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills

Proactively identify issues and present well-thought-out solutions. Reflect and learn on what you have done for future solutions.

Action Step: Approach challenges analytically. Gather data, consult relevant stakeholders, and propose practical solutions backed by research and deep analysis.

20. Exhibit Mature Leadership

Even if you’re not in a leadership role, demonstrate maturity, accountability, and decision-making ability.

Action Step: Lead by example, show accountability, and support team members proactively. Be solution-focused and collaborative in your approach.

21. Uphold Your Values & Principles

Stay true to your professional and personal values, even in challenging situations.

Action Step: Stay true to your ethical and professional standards. Make decisions that align with both your values and company policies.

22. Be Open & Ready to Learn

Adaptability is crucial. Stay open to feedback, new ideas, and continuous learning.

Action Step: Accept constructive feedback graciously. Seek mentorship or training opportunities to enhance your skills.

23. Stay Positive & Flexible

Challenges will arise, but maintaining a positive and adaptable mindset will help you navigate them smoothly.

Action Step: Adapt to changes with a problem-solving mindset. View challenges as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles.

24. Be a Change Agent

Contribute positively to the organization’s growth and innovation.

Action Step: Identify inefficiencies and propose innovative solutions. Influence change by backing your ideas with data and collaborative discussions.

25. Prioritize Your Health

Mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being are key to sustaining high performance.

Action Step: Maintain work-life balance by setting boundaries, taking breaks, and incorporating healthy habits into your routine. Manage stress through regular exercise, healthy eating, and sufficient rest.

Final Thoughts

Winning the first 90 days in a new job requires effort, commitment, and resilience. By following these steps, you will establish a strong foundation for long-term success. Stay proactive, embrace challenges, and let your hard work speak for itself. Your investment in these first three months will pay off in a fulfilling and impactful career journey.

What strategies have helped you succeed in your first 90 days? Share your thoughts in the comments!

By: Soytry HOU, Founder of Phnom Penh Real

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