When I was starting out as a leadership coach, one of my first contracts was at a tech company.  One day, a senior leader dropped by my office with some very, very good news.  He’d been promoted to an executive position.  How exciting, right? 

Well, he didn’t look excited.  Overwhelmed and more than a little anxious is a better description.  He was really happy with the promotion, but did not feel prepared at all.  In fact, he didn’t even know where to start. 

Can you relate?

What neither of us understood at the time was how typical his reaction was.  74% of leaders think they're unprepared for their new job.   

I’m sorry to say I wasn’t much help back then. Fast forward a few years and I’ve learned a lot about leadership transitions.  Including how to get started. 

Where to start? 

Leadership transitions aren’t studied as thoroughly as many other leadership topics, but there is some great information out there.   

Fortunately, much of it is compiled in a single book called The First 90 Days.    

It’s written by Michael Watkins who's been researching leadership transitions for more than 15 years. When it comes to this topic, he’s literally the guy who wrote the book.    

The First 90 Days** is a comprehensive playbook, laid out so you can skim through for a 30,000 foot view, then circle back to pick and choose the topics that are relevant for your situation.  

And here's a quick summary:

Now you’ve got a place to start, but……

The First 90 Days is …… thorough.  While it’s a great book, the thought of working through and figuring out how to apply the information to your situation can feel overwhelming.    

That’s why I’m doing a blog series to walk leaders through the book step by step.  

Instead of tackling it alone, you’re welcome to join me.

Every week, we’ll read a chapter.  At the end of the week, I’ll publish a post that will break the week’s reading into bite-size pieces with thoughts on how to make use of the information.  

Interested?  If so, pop by next week for the first installment.      

**If you'd like to buy the book, it's available everywhere.  Chapters has a great price if Kobo is compatible with your device. 

I recommend an eBook or print copy (skip the audiobook.)  This is a reference book, so you'll be highlighting, making notes, bookmarking, etc.