The First 90 days - Vision, Goals, Measurement, Values

Most successful managers occasionally have the opportunity, and challenge, to lead a new group of people and succeed at a new business. It has been one of the most invigorating parts of my own leadership education.

Over time, I've learned a few techniques which helped me get through this exciting time. I continue to repeat and update this system today.

Step 1. Learn how the new business or department operates. You may be inclined to rush this, but don't. Also don't pull the levers too fast. It is important your new colleagues realize you respect and are becoming well versed in their position and functions. Sure, there will be times you might be compelled to say, "I've heard about this and we should fix it today." Resist the temptation to make your mark "day one."


Step 2. Outline a vision for your team. Step one helps identify where you are in the evolution of the business. Now it is time to set a vision of where you will go. Be bold and reach high. After all, this is worth doing isn't it? Set the vision to acheive something your team can tell their kids about.


Step 3. Identify the two or three goals needed to help accomplish the vision. What must happen to make steady progress toward your vision?


Step 4. Measure and keep score. I'm amazed how many people don't want to keep score. Set some hard and fast measurements on your progress. In fact, these measurments provide a part of the tangible items needed to evaluate and reward your employees. Identifying these measurements can be done collaboratively with your team. Team members can provide valuable feedback on the systems needed to measure progress. But, don't let the faint of heart lower the bar. What fun is that?!


Step 5. Values. I embraced this after reading a great deal about Jack Welch's success at G.E. This is an absolutley critical collaborative process. Each team member should actively participate in a discussion of how they will behave during their frontal assault on your vision.


After all, without values, you could lie, cheat and steal your way to meet goals. No one wants to run that kind of shop.


Do you have other ideas? Disagree? Feel free to post.