The Ultimate Survival Guide for New Managers: 10 Lessons from 'The First 90 Days'

Every new manager faces a steep learning curve, but the right strategies can make all the difference. Watkins’ 'The First 90 Days' distills decades of research and experience into a roadmap for success. Here are ten lessons every new manager should know.

1. Make a Clean Mental Break. Don’t assume what worked before will work now. Reflect on your strengths and vulnerabilities in the new context.
2. Accelerate Your Learning. Develop a plan to learn about your new organization’s culture, politics, and business model. Use structured interviews and open-ended questions to uncover hidden truths.
3. Diagnose Before You Decide. Don’t rush into action. Assess your situation using the STARS model and tailor your approach accordingly.
4. Build Early Credibility. Focus on quick, visible wins that matter to your team. Celebrate progress and communicate results.
5. Assess Your Team. Evaluate each member’s strengths, weaknesses, and fit for the new direction. Make tough calls early.
6. Negotiate Success with Your Boss. Clarify expectations, agree on goals, and establish a communication rhythm.
7. Create Alliances. Build relationships across the organization, not just within your team.
8. Manage Yourself. Schedule time for reflection and self-care. Recognize and manage stress.
9. Enable Collective Learning. Share your learning process with your team. Encourage feedback and open discussion.
10. Plan for the Long Game. Set the stage for sustainable success by building a culture of trust, adaptability, and shared achievement.



Each of these lessons is illustrated with real-world stories—like the new manager who turned around a struggling team by listening deeply and celebrating small victories, or the leader who stumbled by acting before understanding the culture. By applying these principles, you can avoid common traps and build a strong foundation for your future.

Remember, the first 90 days are a time of both risk and opportunity. Approach them with curiosity, humility, and a willingness to learn, and you’ll set yourself—and your team—on the path to lasting success.