The First 90 Days of Leadership: 15 Sacred Secrets I Wish I Knew Earlier

Hey there, Jason here. I just wrapped up a video podcast about something I'm deeply passionate about - helping new leaders succeed in their first 90 days. As someone who's been through the leadership crucible multiple times, I want to share some hard-earned wisdom about what it really takes to thrive in those crucial early months.

Let's get real for a minute. Those first 90 days as a new leader? They're intense. You're drinking from the firehose while trying to look like you've got it all figured out. I've been there, and I want to help you navigate this challenging transition with confidence and authenticity.

1. Build Your Credibility From Day One

Here's something I learned the hard way: credibility isn't about knowing everything or being the smartest person in the room. It's about being authentic and demonstrating competence while staying humble. Show your team you're capable, but don't be afraid to admit when you don't know something. I've found that saying "I don't know, but I'll find out" actually builds more trust than pretending to have all the answers.

2. Relationships Are Your Foundation

You know what's made the biggest difference in my leadership journey? Building genuine connections with my team members. I make it a point to have one-on-one conversations with everyone early on. Not just about work, but about their aspirations, challenges, and what makes them tick. When people feel seen and heard, they'll move mountains for the team.

3. Decode the Culture Code

Every organization has its own DNA, its unwritten rules and norms. I spend my first few weeks observing and asking questions: How do decisions really get made here? What behaviors get rewarded? What stories do people tell? Understanding these cultural nuances has saved me from countless missteps.

4. Crystal Clear Expectations

I've learned that nothing creates more anxiety than ambiguity. That's why I'm now religious about setting clear expectations and goals. I work with my team to establish where we're going and how we'll get there. It's not just about what needs to be done - it's about painting a picture of success that everyone can see.

5. Embrace the Resistance

Change is hard, and resistance is natural. Instead of getting frustrated when team members push back on new initiatives, I now see it as valuable feedback. I involve them in the process, listen to their concerns, and incorporate their input. It's amazing how resistance often turns into enthusiasm when people feel their voices matter.

6. Master the Information Avalanche

The amount of information you need to process in those first 90 days is overwhelming. I've developed a system: I categorize everything into "need to know now," "need to know soon," and "nice to know later." This helps me stay focused on what's truly critical without getting lost in the details.

7. Time Is Your Most Precious Resource

One of my biggest early mistakes was trying to do everything at once. Now I ruthlessly prioritize. I use the 80/20 rule: what 20% of my efforts will drive 80% of the results? That's where I focus first. Everything else can wait.

8. Make Peace with Imperfect Decisions

Here's a truth bomb: you'll never have all the information you want. I used to agonize over decisions, waiting for perfect clarity. Now I gather what information I can, trust my instincts, and move forward. Perfect is the enemy of good, and in leadership, speed often matters more than perfection.

9. Develop Your Team's Potential

Your success as a leader is directly tied to your team's growth. I spend time identifying each person's strengths and areas for development. Sometimes this means having tough conversations about performance, but it always means being their biggest champion for growth opportunities.

10. Kick Imposter Syndrome to the Curb

Can I be vulnerable for a moment? I still sometimes wake up feeling like I'm not qualified for this role. But I've learned that self-doubt is normal - it's what you do with it that matters. I use it as fuel to keep learning and growing, rather than letting it paralyze me.

11. Navigate the Political Waters

Organization politics isn't a dirty word - it's simply how things get done. I focus on building authentic relationships across departments, understanding different perspectives, and finding ways to create win-win situations. This network becomes invaluable when you need support for your initiatives.

12. Flex Your Leadership Style

One size definitely doesn't fit all in leadership. I've learned to adapt my style based on what my team needs. Sometimes they need direction, sometimes support, sometimes autonomy. The key is being flexible while staying authentic to your core values.

13. Communication Is Everything

Clear, consistent communication is your best friend as a new leader. I over-communicate important messages, ensure my words match my actions, and create multiple channels for two-way dialogue. When in doubt, I err on the side of more communication, not less.

14. Connect the Dots to Strategy

Your team needs to see how their work connects to the bigger picture. I regularly share context about organizational goals and help my team understand how their efforts contribute to broader success. This creates meaning and purpose beyond daily tasks.

15. Take Care of Yourself

Finally, and this might be the most important point: you can't pour from an empty cup. Leadership is a marathon, not a sprint. I've made self-care non-negotiable - whether it's exercise, family time, or quiet moments for reflection. Taking care of yourself isn't selfish; it's essential for sustainable leadership.

Wrapping Up

These first 90 days will test you, challenge you, and ultimately transform you. But remember, every great leader started exactly where you are now. Trust yourself, stay authentic, and focus on progress over perfection. You've got this, and your team is lucky to have a leader who cares enough to prepare for this journey.

What strategies have helped you in your leadership journey? I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.

Want to dive deeper into leadership insights? Check out my podcast where I break down each of these points in detail and share real-world examples from my own leadership journey.