The First 90 Days: Winning Leadership Starts With Intentional Foundations
As the new year begins, many of us find ourselves transitioning into new roles or preparing for opportunities ahead. Over the years, I’ve refined and applied this approach with every team I’ve led and mentored other leaders through their own transition periods. Now, as I prepare to start a new leadership role, I look forward to further learning and growth—and I wanted to share my perspective on navigating those critical first 90 days.
The first 90 days in any leadership role are pivotal. They are the proving ground where perceptions are shaped, trust is built, and the foundation for your leadership legacy begins to form.
This idea of a critical early period isn’t new. Franklin D. Roosevelt’s first 100 days as U.S. President set the tone for his leadership during the Great Depression. By acting decisively and implementing 15 major pieces of legislation, FDR restored public confidence and stabilised the economy. His bold, intentional approach created a blueprint for how leaders can establish themselves in moments of uncertainty.
For modern leaders—whether stepping into a new organisation or taking on a higher-level role—the first 90 days offer the same opportunity to set the tone, inspire confidence, and build trust. To navigate this critical transition, I rely on the 3C Framework for Leadership Transition—Clarity, Connection, Credibility—a practical guide to establishing yourself effectively.
Clarity begins with defining the vision. Leadership literature emphasises that teams are more likely to trust leaders who provide clear, actionable direction. Spend your early days understanding the team’s context—its challenges, opportunities, and culture. Once you have insights, communicate a vision that aligns with organisational priorities. For example, in a startup, this might mean rallying the team around a product milestone. In a larger organisation, it could mean focusing on stabilising key processes.
Connection is about building trust. Leadership literature highlights the importance of trust in fostering collaboration and long-term engagement. Focus on building key relationships—your team, peers, and manager. Show curiosity about their challenges and aspirations, and listen deeply to foster goodwill and mutual understanding. In chaotic or high-pressure environments, this might mean prioritising empathy and creating spaces where team members feel heard.
Credibility comes from proving you can deliver. Leadership literature underscores the importance of demonstrating competence early in a role. Identify and deliver early wins that address pressing challenges or remove blockers. For instance, resolving a major cross-functional bottleneck in a global company could demonstrate your ability to lead in complexity. In a startup, shipping a long-delayed feature might reignite team momentum. Credibility is built by turning intentions into actions.
What will your team remember about your first 90 days? Will they see a leader who inspires trust, creates clarity, and demonstrates credibility?
This is your proving ground. Lead with intention, act decisively, and leave a legacy your team will remember—not just for the next 90 days but for the journey ahead.