The New Leader's 100-Day Action Plan: How to Take Charge, Build Your Team, and Get Immediate Results

Moving into a new leadership position is one of the toughest challenges an executive can face. Nearly half of new leaders fail in their first eighteen months. Often, that failure is the result of crucial mistakes made in the first 100 days. If that happens to you, your first 100 days on the job could be your last.

Whether you're a veteran leader taking over a new organization or a novice moving into your first leadership role, this practical guide will help you manage your leadership transition so you can take charge, build your team, and deliver results. The New Leader's 100-Day Action Plan, Second Edition presents proven solutions and cutting-edge techniques for getting started successfully in your new role.

You'll find a comprehensive, easy-to-follow plan that comes with real-world examples, downloadable forms and worksheets, and other handy resources. You'll master your new job—and the art of leadership—with proven tools and techniques for:

• Making a powerful first impression on your first official day

• Turning key stakeholders and direct reports into your allies

• Building your new team with early wins

• Fitting into a new corporate culture—and shaping its evolution

• Creating, communicating, and implementing a new strategic direction

• Avoiding common mistakes and pitfalls

• Building loyalty, trust, and commitment with new colleagues

This expanded edition includes new resources, updates on today's technology and global business environment, and three new chapters that show you how to position yourself to be offered new leadership roles, land them, and stay successful after your first 100 days. This is the ultimate guide to getting ahead—and staying there.

"What a book! New and experienced managers at every level will 'fly' with this programmed learning."

—The Honorable Bruce S. Gelb, former Ambassador to Belgium; former vice chairman, Bristol-Myers Squibb; former president, Clairol

"I love this book and wish I had read it before stepping into my current leadership role. It provides a practical and indispensable road map to success that will help new leaders stack the odds in their favor. Read it and don't be among the forty percent of leaders who fail in the first eighteen months."

—Sandy Rogers, former marketing manager, Procter & Gamble and Apple Computer; former senior vice president, Corporate Strategy, Enterprise Rent-A-Car

"The New Leader's 100-Day Action Plan offers a comprehensive architecture with practical tools and techniques for new leaders to follow. I believe that leaders who utilize the advice from this book will have demonstrative business and culture-building results."

—Joe Bonito, Vice President, Organizational Development, Coach Inc.; former vice president, Pfizer

"One of the most basic yet comprehensive books I've read regarding the dos and don'ts of a successful on-boarding process. A must-read for all aspiring business leaders, from first-time CEOs to executives at every level of the organization. Also a great tool for human resources and talent management executives."

—Joe Griesedieck, former CEO, Spencer Stuart; Vice Chairman, Korn/Ferry International

* A new chapter on POSITIONING yourself for a leadership role

* A new chapter on what to do AFTER THE FIRST 100 DAYS

* A new chapter on getting PROMOTED FROM WITHIN and what to do then

Jayme A. Check (BS, Syracuse; MBA, Anderson School at UCLA) is a founder of PrimeGenesis and President of Quantum Leap Associates. His experience includes executive roles in sales, business development, and strategy at firms such as JP Morgan, Brice Manufacturing, and Guidance Solutions. He is a recognized expert in leadership development and serves a broad base of clients worldwide.

Jorge E. Pedraza (BA, Cornell; PhD, Yale) has led startups and reinvented established businesses at Concrete Media, Le Monde Interactive, and as one of the founding partners of PrimeGenesis. He helped found and is currently Managing Director of Origination at Unison, a wireless lease acquisition firm.

Introduction: An Executive Summary of the Onboarding Process.

Part I: Create Your New Leadership Role.

Chapter 1. Position Yourself for a New Leadership Role or Promotion.

Chapter 2. Sell before You Buy: Answer the Only Three Interview Questions.

Chapter 3. Map and Avoid the Most Common Land Mines.

Chapter 4. Do Your Due Diligence on the Organization, Role, and Fit.

Chapter 5. Act Differently When You Are Promoted from Within.

Part II: Take Control of Your Own Start.

Chapter 6. Embrace the Fuzzy Front End and Make It Work for You Before You Start.

Chapter 7. Decide How to Engage the New Culture: Assimilate, Converge and Evolve, or Shock.

Chapter 8. Drive Action with an Ongoing Communication Campaign.

Chapter 9. Take Control of Day One: Make a Powerful First Impression.

Part III: Your 100-Day Action Plan.

Chapter 10. Embed a Strong Burning Imperative by Day 30.

Chapter 11. Exploit Key Milestones to Drive Team Performance by Day 45.

Chapter 12. Overinvest in Early Wins to Build Team Confidence by Day 60.

Chapter 13. Secure ADEPT People in the Right Roles with the Right Support by Day 70.

Chapter 14. Evolve People, Plans, and Practices to Capitalize on Changing Circumstances.

Appendices: Critical Tools for Long-Term Leadership Success.

Appendix I: Leadership.

Appendix II: Situational Assessment.

Appendix III: Communication.

Appendix IV: Plans-Strategic Process.

Appendix V: People and Practices - Organizational and Operational Processes.

References.

Index.

About the Authors.