Ever feel like startup life is like trying to build an IKEA shelf without instructions? (Yes, we’ve all been there, surrounded by unexplained bolts and those weird wooden peg thingies). Enter the magic of the '30-60-90 Day Plan'. Let's unpack this magical tool that promises to keep your startup journey more "smooth sailing" and less "lost in IKEA hell".
So, What's This '30-60-90 Day Plan'?
No, it's not a new workout regime (thank goodness). It's a roadmap for your first three months in a new role or project. Picture it as your personal GPS, making sure you don’t end up lost in the wild forests of startup chaos. It should be a part of a broader and more holistic onboarding process.
- 30 Days: The "Sponge Phase". Soak up all the knowledge! Understand your team, tools, and where the virtual coffee chat happens.
- 60 Days: The "Getting My Hands Dirty Phase". Dive into projects, get more independent, maybe even innovate a thing or two.
- 90 Days: The "Look Mom, I’m Flying Phase". You're soaring, executing tasks, and maybe even leading meetings like a boss!
Creating Your Magical Map:
- Set Clear Goals: Before you dash in to the game, understand what winning looks like. What do you want to achieve by day 30, 60, and 90?
- Break It Down: Like any epic quest, break it into manageable chunks. List tasks week by week.
- Feedback is Your Friend: Schedule regular check-ins with your team or manager. Make sure you know how your work is comparing to expectations. Feedback feels light and easy with Candor Check-ins, keeping you connected with your team and manager!
- Stay Flexible: This isn’t a strict diet; it’s okay to have cheat days. Adjust as you learn more about your role and the team's needs.
A Snazzy Template Just For You!
🌟 30 Days: The Learning Phase 🌟
- Week 1: Onboarding, introductions, learning the tools.
- Week 2: Deep dive into ongoing projects. Join team meetings. Find out where the virtual snacks are.
- Week 3: Initiate one-on-one meetings with teammates. Understand their roles and how you fit into the puzzle.
- Week 4: Review what you’ve learned. Get feedback. Adjust course if needed.
🚀 60 Days: The Diving-In Phase 🚀
- Week 5: Start taking on tasks independently. Maybe lead a meeting (or two)!
- Week 6: Identify areas for improvement or innovation. Pitch ideas.
- Week 7: Collaborate on bigger projects. Offer insights from your fresh eyes.
- Week 8: More feedback! Refine your approach.
🎉 90 Days: The Thriving Phase 🎉
- Week 9: Take the lead on new initiatives. Be the go-to person in your area.
- Week 10: Reflect on relationships. Any bridges to build or strengthen?
- Week 11: Optimize workflows. You’re no longer the new kid; you’ve got this!
- Week 12: Celebrate! Look back on achievements, get feedback, and set goals for the next quarter.
Why Remote Managers Love it (And You Should Too):
- Crystal Clear Expectations: In a remote world, there’s no peeping over someone’s shoulder. This plan is your shared playbook.
- Fosters Independence: It's like training wheels for new hires. They know what's expected, and by day 90, they're pedaling solo.
- Builds Trust: Regular check-ins and clear goals mean no nasty surprises. It's like knowing the plot twists before binge-watching a series.
- Boosts Team Culture: It encourages open communication, feedback, and growth – the cornerstones of a rock-solid team culture.
Common Pitfalls of the 30-60-90
- Overlooking Flexibility: One common mistake is treating the plan as a rigid roadmap rather than an adaptable guide. Flexibility is key, and being too rigid may hinder your ability to respond to unforeseen challenges or opportunities that arise during your initial months.
- Ignoring Team Dynamics: Focusing solely on individual goals without considering team dynamics is a pitfall. A successful integration involves understanding and aligning with the existing team culture, which might not be explicitly outlined in the plan.
- Lack of Realistic Goal-Setting: Setting overly ambitious goals or underestimating the time required for certain tasks can lead to frustration and burnout. It's essential to strike a balance between ambition and realism when setting milestones.
- Limited Engagement with Stakeholders: Failing to actively engage with key stakeholders, including team members, during the planning and execution phases is a misstep. Regular check-ins, feedback sessions, and collaboration ensure alignment with broader organizational objectives.
- Neglecting Learning and Adaptation: A 'set and forget' mentality is counterproductive. Neglecting ongoing learning, adaptation, and feedback incorporation can hinder progress. Regularly reassessing and adjusting your plan based on evolving circumstances is crucial for sustained success.
Wrap Up
Alright, now you’re equipped with a shiny tool that's even cooler than a swiss army knife: the '30-60-90 Day Plan'. In the fast-paced cosmos of startups, it’s your guiding star, ensuring you’re always headed towards success.
If you’re ready to 10x your onboarding experience, sign up for a Candor profile. We make it easy to share how you really work with new teammates.
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