Mastering Transition: My Key Learnings from "The First 90 Days"

It is both exciting and nerve-wracking to start a new job. The first few months are a challenging time, and a lot needs to be learned. I've been there, learning a lot (sometimes the hard way!). That's why I want to share some key learnings from The First 90 Days by Michael Watkins, a book that has been instrumental in my career transitions. While it is not an extensive book summary, I've highlighted the lessons that resonated with me and shared reflections on how they've helped me approach new roles with confidence. Some takeaways can help guide you through your career transitions, setting you up for success.

1. Prepare a Learning Plan Early, But Stay Flexible

The First 90 Days emphasizes the importance of developing a structured learning plan that defines key objectives, priorities, and strategies for success when accepting a new position. When I stepped into a leadership role as a bench scientist, I initially focused on learning the technical and business aspects, but then realized that I had missed something equally important, if not more so. I need to gain a better understanding of the people, culture, and even the politics that come with this new role. These less tangible elements often make all the difference.

Personal Reflections:

• Taking time to prepare before stepping into a new role is essential. When I joined GreenLight Biosciences as the leader of the RNA Technology team, I recognized that gaining an early understanding of the company's mission and team dynamics would be critical for a smooth transition. In the weeks leading up to my start date and throughout my initial weeks on the job, I immersed myself in the company's strategic priorities and took time to understand how the team functioned on a day-to-day basis. An excellent preparation not only gave me more insight but also gave me the confidence to lead effectively from day one. It also demonstrated to the team that I was committed to understanding their work and supporting their success from the outset.

• Supervisor Alignment Matters More Than You Think. One of the most valuable lessons I've learned is the importance of getting aligned with your supervisor from the very beginning. Taking the time to clarify expectations, priorities, and communication styles not only sets the stage for success but also builds a strong, collaborative relationship that can support you through challenges and growth. Regular check-ins with my supervisor during transitions kept me focused on the right priorities. They helped me adapt to changing needs and understand expectations beyond the job description. More importantly, this approach ensured that my work aligned with my supervisors' goals and the company's broader objectives.

• Accelerate Learning Through Key Stakeholders. Building relationships with key stakeholders early on provides critical insights and a broader perspective on the organization's dynamics. Having one-on-one meetings with key stakeholders was invaluable in accelerating my learning and helping me integrate effectively into the team. I prioritized listening to stakeholders in the first few months rather than offering solutions. It helped me gain deeper insights and build trust.

• Being flexible. No matter how well I plan or prepare, there will always be some unexpected challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. I need to adjust my learning and act accordingly, regularly checking in with my supervisor every week and tracking progress to make necessary adjustments.

2. Focus on People: Relationships Are as Important as Results.

Building strong relationships is crucial for success in any role. The First 90 Days stresses that focusing solely on achieving immediate results can alienate colleagues and hinder long-term success. The new hire should invest time in getting to know people, peers, and superiors, understanding their perspectives, building trust, and establishing open lines of communication. Relationships are the foundation for collaboration, influence, and support.

I used to think results were everything. But here's the truth: people are what make or break your success. Results matter, but relationships are just as meaningful.

Personal Reflections:

• Don't Expect Your Boss To Change. "Own the relationship with your supervisors and take 100% responsibility for making it work". I used to think that a close relationship requires the effort of both parties to make it work. However, the reality is that we should never expect supervisors to change their work style and preferred ways of communication to accommodate ours. Some leaders prefer detailed written reports, while others want quick, bullet-point summaries. As a new member, we should spend a fair amount of time getting to know our superiors well. I tried to understand my boss's work style and priorities when I stepped into a new role. Open conversations on communication preferences helped me adapt to their style. More importantly, I built trust by delivering results as promised, avoiding surprises, and proactively tackling challenges. By taking the initiative and ensuring alignment, I strengthened my relationship with my supervisors and set myself up for success.

• The Power of Active Listening. Active listening is the cornerstone of building connections, gaining critical insights, and building trust. When starting a new role, I paid close attention to both the said and unsaid messages, which provided a wealth of information about team dynamics, company culture, and individual needs. One-on-one meetings are my preferred venue for practicing active listening and gaining deeper insights than big group meetings. This venue can also help me establish a deep connection with stakeholders and build strong, collaborative relationships.

3. Establish credibility early

Securing early wins is one of the most effective ways to gain credibility. The First 90 Days advises focusing on achievable goals and demonstrating competence and value.

Personal Reflections:

• Look For Quick Wins Within Your Control. The first months are critical to earning credibility in the new role, so keep your eyes wide open and look for opportunities to accomplish. As mentioned in the book, a practical method is to identify bottlenecks in processes or workflows and find ways to streamline them. In one of my new roles, I discovered that sample processing was a bottleneck, slowing down our data package delivery efficiency. I suggested automating sample processing to increase throughput and efficiency. The outcome turned out great, and the stakeholders have recognized them.

• Communicate Your Successes. Delivering results is essential, but ensuring the right people are aware of them is just as crucial. Don't hide your progress; share it broadly and regularly, thereby showcasing your contributions and values through quick emails, one-on-one meetings, or team updates to keep key stakeholders informed. 

  
  

4. Reflect and Grow: View Challenges as Opportunities.

Challenges and setbacks are inevitable, but they are also growth opportunities. The First 90 Days encourages you to view these challenges as opportunities for learning and growth. Regularly reflect on what's working, what's not, and how you can improve. Reflect on your experiences, analyze your mistakes, and identify areas for improvement.

In a previous post, "Building Resilience: Lessons Learned from My Career Journey." I shared lessons on building resilience, principles that are just as valuable during career transitions. When facing challenges or setbacks, approach them with confidence, trust your abilities, and rely on your support network to help you overcome them. Don't forget to celebrate every small win; they add up and pave the path to long-term success.

Final Thoughts

Transitions can feel daunting, but they can also be incredibly rewarding with the right mindset and strategies. If you're stepping into a new role, I highly recommend The First 90 Days, as it provides valuable techniques and tools to help you get up to speed quickly and make an impact sooner. While this isn't a comprehensive review of the book, I hope these key takeaways highlight the importance of preparation, building strong relationships, securing early wins, and viewing challenges as opportunities for growth. By focusing on these principles, you can set yourself up for success and establish a strong foundation in your new role.

What are your thoughts on The First 90 Days? Have you used any of Watkins' strategies in your transitions? I'd love to hear about your experiences and any additional tips you have. Share your stories in the comments below!