Episode 246 - Your First 90 Days as a Leader

is a shift. It's no longer just about your individual performance. It's about guiding a team, making decisions that impact others, and setting it up tone for the culture around you. You may find yourself wondering am I ready for this? Will my team respect me? How do I balance authority with approachability? And what if I make a mistake? These are valid concerns, but here's the good news. Every great

leader has been exactly where you are right now. The difference between those who thrive and those who struggle often comes down to how they approach these crucial first ninety days. This period isn't about having all the answers. It's about setting a strong foundation. It's about listening, learning and leading with intention. You don't have to prove yourself overnight, but you do need to be proactive in building trust, establishing credibility,

and understanding your new role. From a leadership perspective, stepping into leadership is a journey. It's not a single moment in time, but the way you start can define your leadership trajectory. So let's make sure your first ninety days set you up for long term success. So the first question you have to ask yourself is what are you worried about? And in my experience, I've observed that new leaders worry about a few key things. Earning respect, will

my team take me seriously? And making mistakes? What if I make the wrong call, impostor syndrome? Do I really belong in this position? In balancing relationships? How do I transition from being one of them to being the one in charge? So let's break this down and then we can map out what your first ninety days should look like. So first, let's start with overcoming the fear and impostor syndrome. That voice in your head saying you're not ready for this,

or someone else could do this better. That's impostor syndrome. Almost every leader faces it at some point in the truth, you were chosen for this role for a reason. You belong here. Here's how to quiet that doubt. Acknowledge it, but don't let it control you self. Doubt is normal, but it doesn't define you. Remember, leadership is a journey, not a title. No one expects you to be perfect on day one, and focus on action, not perfection. Every day,

do something that moves your team forward. This is where goal setting and mind mapping becomes a priority for you. Next, let's focus on balancing relationships. One of the biggest challenges in stepping into leadership, especially if you're promoted from within, is navigating the shift from one of them to leader. Yesterday you were part of the group. Today you're the

one setting expectations, making decisions, and holding others accountable. The key to balancing relationships is establishing clear but respectful boundaries. You don't have to abandon friendships, but you do need to redefine them in a way that prioritizes fairness, consistency,

and professionalism. Leadership isn't about being liked, It's about being respected, and by leading within integrity, communicating openly, and treating everyone with fairness, you'll learn the trust of your team without compromising your authority. Next is your first ninety days and what to focus on Your first three months as a leader will set the foundation for your success. Here's what you should prioritize your first thirty days. Focus on listening

and learning. Meet with your team. Have one on one conversations with everyone. Ask them what's working well, what challenges do they face? How can you support them and observe before making big changes, don't come in thinking that you need to fix everything on day one and focus on building relationships. People don't follow titles, they follow leaders that they trust. In day thirty one through sixty, focus on

establishing yourself. Set expectations. Make sure your team knows what you expect and what they can expec from you, and make sure all of this is in line with the core values and mission of the organization, and then identify quick wins. Find small but meaningful ways to improve things. This builds momentum. This is why I always have a small notebook you'll find the quick wins easily. Just make sure to jot them down in your notes and communicate constantly.

Keep your team informed and engaged, keep them in the loop. They will develop a sense of buy in if you're open, honest, and transparent. And one critical point to make here when you're communicating back to your team, don't use this time to talk poorly about other people, especially if you're talking

about small roadblocks or something that didn't go right. New leaders make the mistake of thinking they're connecting with their team and scoring bonus points, but in fact they're undermining their own leadership reputation when they speak poorly of others. In day sixty one through ninety, this is the time to strengthen and lead. Start making bigger decisions now that you understand the landscape, take action and develop your leadership style.

Be authentic. You don't need to mimic other leaders. Find what works for you, and continue learning. Leadership is an ongoing process. Seek mentorship, read and grow. Every great leader started where you are now, uncertain, nervous, but willing to learn. Your job isn't to have all the answers, it's to guide your team make smart decisions. And always be improving. Stepping into your first leadership role can be both exciting

and nerve wracking. You might worry about earning respect, making mistakes, or struggling with imposter syndrome. Your first ninety days sets the tone for your leadership journey. Approach them with confidence, humility, and a focus on action, and you'll build a strong foundation for success. This has been the seven Minute Leadership Podcast, and I thank you for listening.