Why Your First 90 Days Can Make or Break Your Career: Secrets Every Leader Needs

Imagine stepping into a new leadership role: the air is charged with expectation, your inbox is full, and everyone—from your boss to your team—is watching. The first 90 days are not just a trial period; they are the crucible where your reputation, influence, and impact are forged. Michael D. Watkins, in his acclaimed book, reveals that these early days are your best—and sometimes only—chance to lay the foundation for lasting success.



Transitions are more common than ever. Studies show that leaders change roles every 18 months on average, making transition skills as vital as technical expertise. Yet, most organizations offer little support. The result? Nearly half of all leadership transitions fail. The root cause is not incompetence, but a lack of preparation and strategy.

Watkins’ first lesson is to prepare yourself mentally. Let go of the habits and mindsets that made you successful in your last role. What worked before may now be your biggest liability. For example, a detail-obsessed manager may need to delegate more and focus on vision. Internal promotions and external hires face different challenges: insiders must broaden their influence, while outsiders must quickly build credibility and decode the culture.

Next comes the learning curve. The urge to act quickly is strong, but the real power lies in listening and learning. Watkins recommends a structured approach: create a learning agenda, conduct systematic interviews, and tap into both formal and informal sources of insight. Don’t just read reports—ask who influences decisions, what the unwritten rules are, and where the landmines lie.



One of the book’s most practical tools is the STARS model, which helps you diagnose your business situation: Start-up, Turnaround, Accelerated Growth, Realignment, or Sustaining Success. Each demands a different leadership style. For example, turnarounds require bold action, while realignments need subtle influence and consensus-building.

Early wins are the rocket fuel of any transition. They build trust, boost morale, and create momentum. But not all wins are equal—focus on visible, meaningful improvements that matter to your team and stakeholders. Celebrate small victories, and use them as stepping stones for bigger changes.

Building your team is just as crucial. Assess inherited team members quickly and fairly, make tough calls early, and foster a culture of shared learning. Leaders who share their frameworks and invite team input accelerate everyone’s transition.

Finally, sustaining success means managing yourself as carefully as you manage others. Schedule regular reflection, set boundaries, and invest in your own resilience. Share your transition strategies with your team to multiply your impact.

In sum, the first 90 days are a unique opportunity to reset expectations, build trust, and chart a course for the future. Approach them with intention, humility, and a spirit of learning—and watch your career soar.