With a new project or job, the first 90 days are often discussed.
Made popular in the early 2000s with Michael D. Watkins book The First 90 Days.
We are asked how we will approach the first 90 days.
Teams discuss how to get through forming, norming, and storming in 90 days.
The idea is that it takes this time to get our footing.
Get settled. Three months. Ninety days. 720 working hours. 43,000 minutes.
This is seen as a short moment in what will be a long-term role.
Consider 90 Days a Gift
Today, when I consider 90 days to settle in and get my footing, I see a gift.
A luxury to be treasured.
I see the window of 90 days being about 90 minutes.
When pitching a piece of business, 90 minutes with a potential client would be generous.
Once you have a new client, you have minutes, not days, for onboarding.
There is no luxury of getting your footing or getting settled.
You dive into the project. You learn about the team and the company as you go.
Delivering and learning simultaneously.
There is no time to do the recommended 90-day activities.
The New Reality: 90-Second, Minute, Hour, and Day Impact
What if we broke the 90 days down into four key moments of impact?
The First 90 Seconds: Making an Immediate Impression
The initial moments of any new engagement should be focused on the first impression.
Leaving a positive and lasting impact.
We can present ourselves confidently through a handshake, direct eye contact, and a smile.
Articulate our value by succinctly conveying who we are and how we add value.
Listen to the introductions of others noting names and other information shared.
The First 90 Minutes: Building Initial Rapport and Understanding
During the first 90 minutes we can deepen connections and gather essential information.
We can learn about the work by asking questions to understand perspectives & expectations.
Clarify immediate objectives and ensure expectations are aligned.
And observe the dynamics in the room giving clues to team culture and relationships.
The First 90 Hours: Establishing Your Presence and Contribution
Over the week and a half, the focus shifts to integrating ourselves into the team or project.
We can connect with key stakeholders to develop trust and open communication.
Seek feedback along the way to provide insights on how to adjust your approach.
And look for small tasks that you can take on to deliver quick wins.
All these things demonstrate your competence and commitment
The First 90 Days: Cementing Your Role and Driving Impact
In the traditional 90-day timeframe, we can solidify our position and contribute meaningfully.
We can demonstrate leadership through our initiative and support of the team.
Contribute to a positive culture.
Take on larger projects that align with business goals.
Reflect and plan by assessing progress and setting goals for the next quarter.
The Four Timeframes to Success: A Roadmap for Impact
The world moves fast.
The expectation that we can spend three months getting our footing is fading.
Full-time employees, consultants, or freelancers, we need to quickly integrate and add value.
This will define our success.
Instead of viewing 90 days as a grace period, see it as a roadmap.
One that starts in the first 90 seconds.
Builds momentum in the first 90 minutes.
Gains traction in the first 90 hours.
And solidifies your role in the first 90 days.
By the time you reach 90 days, we won’t just be settling in.
We will already be making an impact.
Your Turn
Do you think the first 90 days is outdated?
What could you do with the shorter timeframes?
Which time segment is the best for the work you do?
NOTE: In 2023, HBR wrote an article titled The First 90 Hours.