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

So, 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. “The best predictor of what people do in organisations is incentives” - Michael 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. 00:00 - Start 01:44 - What leaders should focus on in transition periods 03:23 - The homework you should do in transition periods 05:49 - Getting an early read of organisational culture 10:20 - How long does culture change take? 13:18 - The systematic nature of the first 90 days 20:32 - Tactics and strategy in the first 90 days 23:47 - Can everyone be a strategic thinker? 27:00 - The effects of ecosystems and AI 30:59 - Staying healthy as a leader 37:18 - The impact Michael wants to have on the world About Michael Watkins: Michael D Watkins is Professor of Leadership and Organizational 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. • Profile:   / michaeldwatkins   • Publications: https://www.imd.org/faculty/professor... • Services: https://www.genesisadvisers.com/ My resources: Try my High-stakes meetings toolkit (https://bit.ly/43cnhnQ) Take my Becoming a Strategic Leader course (https://bit.ly/3KJYDTj) Sign up to my Every Day is a Strategy Day newsletter (http://bit.ly/36WRpri) for modern mindsets and practices to help you get ahead. Subscribe to my YouTube channel (http://bit.ly/3cFGk1k) where you can watch the conversation. For more details about me: ● Services (https://rb.gy/ahlcuy) to CEOs, entrepreneurs and professionals. ● About me (https://rb.gy/dvmg9n) - my background, experience and philosophy. ● Examples of my writing https://rb.gy/jlbdds) ● Follow me and engage with me on LinkedIn (https://bit.ly/2Z2PexP) ● Follow me and engage with me on Twitter (https://bit.ly/36XavNI