Starting a New Leadership Role

When assuming a leadership role, John Quelch, from Harvard Business School and University of Miami, suggests shifting the focus from the traditional first 90 days to the critical first 90 hours. Emphasising the significance of initial impressions, he provides swift and decisive advice for effective leadership:

1. Conduct Thorough Pre-entry Research: Prior to officially starting, gather comprehensive information about the school. Engage with key individuals, visit the premises, and assess the organisation's strengths, weaknesses, and recent leadership history. Develop a tentative game plan, anticipating surprises while turning over the proverbial rocks.

2. Secure Support from Superiors: Inform your superiors about potential challenges as you initiate changes. Request their support and advise them against engaging with detractors who may undermine your leadership.

3. Identify Genuine Talent: Differentiate between sincere supporters and superficial well-wishers. Quickly identify high-performing individuals who can contribute to your vision and engage with them.

4. Build a Balanced Leadership Team: Form a leadership team comprising both experienced professionals and fresh perspectives within the first two weeks. Demonstrate respect for past achievements and the ability to recognise emerging talent. Avoid bringing in colleagues from previous roles immediately.

5. Communicate Values Early: Signal your values through tangible actions, such as addressing frivolous expenses, upgrading reception area furniture, or engaging with employees at all levels. Early actions speak volumes about your leadership philosophy.

6. Select the Right Support Staff: Choose a top assistant who aligns with your values, professionalism, and loyalty. This appointment reflects your stance on diversity, equity, and inclusion.

7. Conduct an Information Meeting: Organize a meeting for the entire or relevant members of your school community by the end of your second week. Share information about yourself, your values, and your respect for the contributions of your predecessors. Introduce changes gradually, recognising the organisation's capacity for change.

Quelch concludes with three cautionary points for the initial 90 hours:

Vet New Hires Carefully: Avoid hasty hiring decisions; consult multiple insiders for thorough vetting.
Avoid Branding Changes: Refrain from announcing changes in brand name or logo immediately to prevent unnecessary criticism.
Limit Early Engagements: Refrain from accepting early speaking engagements or engaging in lengthy email exchanges about strategy and personnel decisions to avoid premature commitments.

Acknowledgement: John Quelch in HBS Working Knowledge. April 2023. Full Article Here