THE PM CHRONICLE: Starting A New Job? Follow ‘The 30/60/90 Plan’

Monday, April 14, 2014

Starting A New Job? Follow ‘The 30/60/90 Plan’

Starting A New Job? Follow ‘The 30/60/90 Plan’
Heather Huhman | July 31, 2012

Starting a new job comes with a multitude of emotions, some good and some bad. Fortunately, the wonders of organization come to the rescue, yet again, as the transition is eased through the 30/60/90-day plan.

An unfamiliar routine, or lack of a routine altogether, can cause for added stress as well as the growing pressures to impress and succeed at the new position. Although your stress may build for a variety of reasons, getting organized always alleviates the nervous tension at the hip of getting started.

A plan of any sort provides us with a tangible version of where we are going and where we want to be, all while tracking our progress and achievements along the way. By planning out your goals of the first 30, 60, and 90 days on the job, you have created your own vision and you are sure to take advantage of your full potential as a new hire.

In just a small timeframe, you are expected to learn how to do your job successfully, in addition to discovering how to fit in. Your 30/60/90 game plan can get you there. Here is a sample outline of suggested goals to incorporate into your own, customized plan:

30 days – the learning stage

One common mistake of new hires is never taking the time to understand exactly what it is that the company is trying to accomplish through their strategic plan. As a new hire, it is extremely important to put in the effort to study and learn the internal lay of the land as follows:
Bring the mission statement and vision to life and discover the plans the company abides by to reach these core values.
Understand your boss’s expectations of you.
Begin forming professional relationships with coworkers.
Learn about your customers and clients.
Investigate the overall company culture.

60 days – adding the Y-O-U

Once you have taken time to fully assess the company, begin adding your strengths to the equation:
Progressively begin building your own personal brand within the company by showcasing what you do well.
Brainstorm the ways in which your own personal touch can accelerate company growth.
You may have started with listening much more than talking, which is recommended. By this stage, begin leveling out the playing fields by contributing to the conversation.
Furthermore, be an effective communicator by being open. You’re the newbie, but don’t hide behind your computer screen two months in.
Become more versatile by taking on some tasks outside of your set responsibilities.
Continue to be mindful of your boss’s expectations of you.

90 days – the transformation stage

By this time, you should have a firm grasp of the role you play in the company. Your confidence is likely to have grown since your first day and leadership qualities are hopefully itching to be put to action. At this point, consider the following:
You know your employer well enough by now to be proactive when it comes to company happenings.
Be attentive and aware of new projects and come ready with possible solutions.
Analyze the growth in your network.
Dodge your novice mistakes.
Look into broadening your horizons by getting more involved. You can do this by joining a club, council, board, or committee.
Make time to notice your growth and reward yourself for your progress.

Your 30/60/90 plan is your written path from a new hire to an effective leader. By organizing and prioritizing, you can make the most out of the initial stages of your new job.

In what ways have you eased the first few months of starting a new job? Do you find the power in planning and organizing when starting something new? Let us know below.

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