Book Review: The First 90 Days

Right From the Start

Starting a new job is hard enough. But when you're the boss, there is even less margin for error.

When you start a new management job, you usually have a brief window of opportunity to make the changes that will set the tone for the rest of your tenure as a manager. Most companies no longer have a management transition program to help you; it is on you to make quick, correct decisions and get them implemented before your window of opportunity closes.

Michael Watkins' book The First 90 Days is an industry classic on navigating a job switch successfully.

Watkins provides a concrete framework that allows the new manager to organize his or her transition into the new position. The framework he provides may need adjustment for particular positions or industries (like the ones I suggest in From Techie to Boss), but Watkins' framework is always a valuable starting place and a good foundation to build on.