I am often asked by executives, “What are the ten things that I should do in
my first hundred days?” Here are some pointers to keep in mind:
1. Get a multi-dimensional view of the business. Look at the business from as many different perspectives as possible: board members, executive team, industry gurus, colleagues, customers, competition, front-line people.
2. Ask: What are the biggest opportunities and challenges? What are the biggest strengths and weaknesses, challenges and opportunities facing your organization as a whole? You need to have a comprehensive understanding of these, whether you are the CEO business unit leader, or marketing guy.
3. Discover: What’s missing from this picture? For example, the past leaders of your business unit may have done okay operationally, but have never thought strategically. Or, your company makes “me too” products, but is not innovative.
4. Set some goals (the Impossible Future kind) that represent making a difference. For example: “We are going to set a goal of making 20% of our revenues each year from innovative new products.”
5. Figure out what you need to do to deliver on your day job. You may have been hired because you are brilliant, but what are the basic nuts and bolts deliverables that everyone expects from your department?
6. Start building a team of ‘A’ players. If you are want to achieve an Impossible Future, you can’t get there with a team of chronic C’s. If you are a CEO, divide your business into 5 or 10 profit centers and make sure you have an A player in each.
7. Never waste a lunch. You won’t be able to achieve your goals if you don’t have a network of commitment, communication, and support. Take lunch in the company cafeteria, not in your office, in order to maximize your ability to build relationships at all levels.
8. Go for some quick “catalytic” wins. You probably already have an idea of some areas where you want to have an impact. My advice is to bypass elaborate planning and preparations and go for some quick “catalytic” wins. What goals could you accomplish in weeks, not months, that could be a spearhead for a larger breakthrough?
9. Manage your time ruthlessly. Ask staff members to set up appointments to see you. It’s good having an open door policy, but too many drive-by meetings can kill you. Give your PA a list of top priority people whose phone calls you will take. If possible, only do email twice a day -- early morning and late afternoon.
10. Don’t forget work/life balance. It’s great to be fanatical about your goals, but you won’t be able to achieve them if you don’t pay attention to health, fitness, and your family. Schedule yourself to do exercise at a certain time every day. Watch the food you eat and make the time to spend quality time with your family.
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