Decode Any Organization in 90 Days: Learning Faster Than the Competition

In today’s fast-changing world, the ability to learn quickly is a superpower. Watkins’ 'The First 90 Days' offers a blueprint for accelerating your learning and avoiding the pitfalls that trip up so many new leaders.

The first step is to set a clear learning agenda. Ask yourself: What do I need to know about the business, culture, and politics of my new organization? Watkins suggests focusing on both hard data (financials, performance metrics) and soft intelligence (culture, power structures, unwritten rules).

Structured interviews are a powerful tool. Meet with key stakeholders—boss, peers, direct reports—and ask open-ended questions: What are the biggest challenges we face? Where are the greatest opportunities? What would you do if you were in my shoes?



The urge to act quickly can be overwhelming, but patience pays off. Take time to listen, observe, and reflect before making big decisions. Look for patterns and contradictions in what you hear.

Don’t overlook the importance of culture. Every organization has its own language, rituals, and taboos. Decode these early to avoid missteps and build credibility.

By following a structured learning process, you’ll avoid the classic mistake of acting before understanding. You’ll make smarter decisions, build stronger relationships, and set yourself up for long-term success.