The 100-day Plan

I have several candidates who are starting new jobs in the first quarter of 2024. Looking at my network, I see many people starting new roles as well. 

The first 100 days in a new job are crucial. You need to be prepared for a good transition. Michael Watkins offers a good step-by-step guide in his classic book “First 90 Days”. 

This 2009 HBR article by Michael offers suggestions for picking the right transition strategy. 

Here is a short guide that is inspired by the book: 

1) Don’t stick with the same playbook. 

Regardless of your years of experience, take time to learn and prepare. You need to be prepared that what you know is not as relevant as you think. The situation and context of every job and company are different. You may have been very successful in your previous jobs but do recognize that there are lots of changes in the environment. 

In short, you need to unlearn and relearn. 

2) Over-invest in building relationships

Building positive relationships with key stakeholders is the most essential part of being successful in a role. Whether you are a senior executive or a mid-level specialist, you need people around you to perceive you positively in the first few months. Otherwise, even though you may have the best plans and initiatives, you may not get the support to implement them. 

Do note that the higher you go in corporate, the decision-making process is more political. You need to invest time to build alliances. 

3) Set realistic expectations 

You may be full of ambition and plans. The new company is expecting you to turn the business around quickly. You need to quickly hire your core team. 

The reality is often more difficult than you think. Don’t fall into the trap that you can do anything as long as you put in the hours. It is not true. 

You need time to learn and reflect. You need people to integrate you into the organization. You cannot shortcut the relationship-building process with colleagues, suppliers and customers. Your factory cannot produce the next generation product in 6 months. Your supply chain may face a big bottleneck. 

In short, you will benefit from setting realistic expectations. If you are the CEO of a stock-listed company, the analysts will scrutinize every word that you say. Be careful of what you promise. 

4) Review with your manager regularly

Whether your manager is in the same location as you or on another continent, you must have regular reviews. Get the input and feedback on whether you are on track. Engage your team and key stakeholders to check in on your progress. 

Use a traffic light system to guide you on where to invest your energy. Make sure that others are perceiving the situation as you. Gather the support that you need and influence the right people for your initiatives. 

5) Prepare for the next 100 days

After you complete your first 100 days, start the next cycle. You need to constantly review where you are going. Most companies have a 6-months probation on the job. So, it is two cycles of 90 days each. 

While you may already be charting your 3-year strategy, your success is measured periodically. You need to get past the first few milestones before you have the opportunity to drive your grand plans. 

In fact, I recommend the 100-day approach to every professional. If you treat every year as a new start, even though you might be in the same company and performing in the same role, you can plot a clear plan for you to stay focused. 

This focused approach will help you to develop yourself in your career and continue to stay relevant. 

Do you have your 100-day plan ready? 

#jobhunting

Develop yourself toward the desired role

If you have considered changing jobs, you would have read many JDs (job descriptions). JDs are an excellent way to plan your development plan. Let me elaborate. 

In every JD (even badly written ones), you have a list of responsibilities and requirements. 

The requirements will list down what the company desires to have in the person. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t meet the requirements. Instead, use the requirement list to spur you to develop yourself. 

The easiest place to start is often the technical skills, qualifications, and certifications. While some qualifications like MBA, CFA, and CPA may take a couple of years, other certifications like PMP and Agile may take a couple of months. 

If you look at data analytics roles, you often see programming languages like R, Python, or SQL and data visualization programs like Tableau and Power BI in the requirements. Picking up those skills will be a good place to start. 

The most difficult part to gain quickly is the track record. If you have not sold certain products or services in a specific region, you cannot gain the experience easily. Every company wants to hire someone who can hit the ground running. 

Here is a suggestion. Embark on an intensive learning and research journey, and develop a presentation / report / business plan to show that you know enough. The process may take you weeks or months. Don’t just rely on desktop research. Talk to people who are in the industry. Gather insight and logically share the information. 

In many jobs, it is often difficult to find the perfect candidate. If you show that you can learn something new, synthesize information, and even develop a business plan, you can be a convincing candidate. 

Facing Retrenchment

Reading the recent retrenchment news and Ian Tan’s article today inspired me to write this short blog. I have written several blogs on bouncing back previously and here is a summary: 

Don’t resort to pity

You will go through shock, denial, anger, frustration, depression (perhaps). After the initial stages, you can start to experiment, network, and find a new path. You want to blame the unfair manager, the company, the investor, or the stock market. But it will not help you. Instead, consider getting help. With a good plan and determination, you can pick yourself up again. 

Treat jobhunting as a full-time job

8 hours a day, 5 days a week. No slack, no excuse. You can enjoy the downtime, if you plan it intentionally. Don’t let time drift. The initial nice break may create anxiety for you later. Create a calendar that resembles your work routine. Don’t take longer than necessary lunch breaks. 

Overdose yourself with positive things

Stop reading negative news or meeting negative people. Don’t spend time with people who are constantly complaining about the economy, inflation, or rising interest rates. In any economic condition, more people are doing well than doing badly. 

Instead, surround yourself with positive people. Read good stuff. Motivational quotes are good for you. Wire your mind properly. 

Network relentlessly

Meet at least 2-3 persons a day. F2F is better than virtual. Old friends, new friends, ex-colleagues, suppliers, and customers. Having thick skin is important. Don’t ask for a job. Ask for a coffee. Everyone likes coffee (or tea). 

See the opportunity to pivot

The ground below may have shifted. The industry has changed. The funding has dried up. Look inside to find what gives you energy. Look outside to identify the new opportunities. There are always new things happening. 

Doing odd jobs sparingly

While I’m not a big fan of odd jobs, I must admit that giving tuition during my 3-months in between jobs in 2004 has helped me to pay for my meals and transport. Just be aware that driving Grab or packing groceries is temporary. Prioritize your time and make sure that the odd jobs are distracting you from your jobhunting activities.

Keep your focus strong. Everyone can bounce back!