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Stepping into a leadership role in a professional services firm comes with excitement and challenges. You want to make a strong first impression, earn your team’s trust, and create a real impact–but where do you start? The first 90 days are crucial for setting the stage for long-term success. Here‘s a practical leadership 30-60-90 day plan for new managers to help you transition smoothly, gain quick wins, and align your team with strategic goals.
Phase 1: First 30 days – learning and listening
In your first month, focus on understanding the business, your team, and key priorities. Before making major changes, take the time to observe and gather insights.
Key Actions:
- Meet with your team and stakeholders
Have one-on-one conversations with your team members, peers, and senior leadership to learn about current workflows, goals, and pain points.
- Assess key clients and projects
Identify top clients and ongoing projects, noting any risks or opportunities that require immediate attention.
- Review key performance metrics
Dive into data on utilization, project timelines, and profitability to spot trends and areas that need improvement.
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Outcome:
- A clear understanding of strengths and gaps: Summarize your observations into a brief report that highlights team dynamics, client relationships, and quick improvement opportunities.
Phase 2: Days 31-60 – achieving quick wins
Now that you have a strong understanding of the business, it‘s time to take action. The goal here is to address immediate concerns, show early progress, and boost team confidence.
Key Actions:
- Fix immediate bottlenecks
Improve inefficiencies in communication, time tracking, or resource allocation to free up time for higher-value work.
- Address urgent team and client needs
If specific projects or clients need attention, intervene quickly to resolve issues and prevent further problems.
- Improve communication and transparency
Implement clear, consistent updates to ensure alignment and build trust across your team and stakeholders.
Outcome:
- Documented progress and early successes: Share a brief update on what‘s been improved and any remaining challenges to keep leadership and your team engaged.
Phase 3: Days 61-90 – aligning for long-term success
In this final phase, shift focus from short-term fixes to long-term strategy. By now, you should have a clear vision of where you want to take the team.
Key Actions:
- Set strategic goals for the next 6-12 months
Define measurable objectives for team performance, client satisfaction, and financial growth.
- Get buy-in from leadership and stakeholders
Present your strategic plan to ensure it aligns with company goals and adjust based on feedback.
- Establish ongoing check-ins
Create a feedback loop with your team and clients to stay agile and ensure continuous improvement.
Outcome:
- A clear roadmap for future success: A well-defined plan with key milestones and KPIs to guide your team‘s growth and performance.
Setting yourself up for success
Your first 90 days as a new leader don‘t have to be overwhelming. By focusing on learning, making quick improvements, and setting a clear direction, you can build credibility, drive meaningful change, and set your team up for success.
Get Expert Guidance from Real Leaders
If you want more expert insights into Professional Service Leadership, download our free whitepaper, First 90 Days Blueprint for New Leaders in Professional Services. It‘s packed with real-world advice from experienced leaders who‘ve been in your shoes.
