Episode 109

Michael Watkins: How to win in the first 90 days and beyond

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Picture this. You’ve just landed a new role at work, and you might have some transition time beforehand. How do you best prepare to start?

In this episode, I am joined by Michael Watkins, author of The First 90 days and The Six Disciplines of Strategic Thinking. He provides insights into the intricacies of leadership transitions, emphasising the importance of understanding organisational culture, how to use strategic thinking, and look after yourself as you do.

We also explore the demands of operating in a world of ecosystems and AI. I bet you’ll find a treasure trove of stimulus right here, including practical tips, frameworks and real-life examples to help you in your first 90 days and beyond.

You’ll hear about:

Transition periods being a crucial time to prepare and plan your approach
Why understanding the organisational culture is essential for effective leadership
How culture transformation can be initiated quickly, but reshaping values takes time
Strategic thinking being vital, especially in challenging situations
The fact leaders must balance tactical and strategic thinking during transitions
How creating early wins can help establish momentum in a new role
Why organisations must adapt to operate effectively within ecosystems

More about Michael

Michael D. Watkins is Professor of Leadership and Organisational Change at IMD. He is a globally-recognised leadership transitions expert and author of the best-selling book The First 90 Days: Proven Strategies for Getting Up to Speed Faster and Smarter. A Thinkers50-ranked management influencer, Watkins has developed proven frameworks and tools to help professionals navigate personal and organisational change challenges.

He has spent the past two decades working with leaders as they transition to new roles, build their teams, and transform their organisations. In 2023, Watkins was inducted into the Thinkers50 Management Hall of Fame, which recognises remarkable contributions to the realm of management concepts and ideas spanning many years.

WATCH ON YOUTUBE

“The best predictor of what people do in organisations is incentives.”

Michael D. Watkins — Professor of Leadership & Organisational Change, IMD

VIEW RUNNING ORDER

02.45	What leaders should focus on in transition periods.
04.24	The homework you should do in transition periods.
06.50	Getting an early read of organisational culture.
11.21	How long does culture change take?
14.19	The systematic nature of the first 90 days.
21.32	Tactics and strategy in the first 90 days.
24.47	Can everyone be a strategic thinker?
28.01	The effects of ecosystems and AI.
31.59	Staying healthy as a leader.
38.18	The impact Michael wants to have on the world.