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Reviews
The First 90 Days: Critical Success Strategies for New Leaders at All Levels by Michael D. Watkins
monet_barber's review
Got through the first part but it was already getting repetitive
endlesslybooked's review
2.0
I can see how this book would be helpful in corporate settings but does not really resonate for nonprofit spaces, particularly social justice non profits.
shreyashk2006's review
2.0
Had a few good frameworks to think about transitions, but felt like he repeated his points too often instead of keeping them concise.
ldv's review
2.0
Lacking in insightful concrete examples that are nuanced (of course the new manager who comes in with a heavy hand is going to meet resistance!). There are some good general reminders or tips for awareness, to bring items to the forefront before you transition that were helpful. Overall, though, the book feels like it was quickly churned out or not written by a professional writer. Many bullet point lists are given in negative form, like the "pitalls to avoid" that begin most chapters. The book would be stronger if these were written in positive language "do these things". The graphics and tables are exceptionally simplistic in content and structure. I heard there is an updated version of the book, so maybe these mistakes have been improved. And with most self-help, it is fluffed up to be book length when it could have been much shorter and pithier. It is a heads up kind of reminder more than an innovative, mind-blowing treatise. Basically it says have a 90 day goal to be on track with your integration into your new role. Soak up all the info you can and make as many positive relationships as you can. Build credibility and do great work. The end.
fivetilnoon's review
3.0
A good book for approaching a new position with a plan. The book focuses on accelerating learning, early wins, and setting clear expectations. Mostly focused on leadership positions, particularly executive level, but still good for any transition. The book is organized well so it's easy to focus on chapters with more application and sip or skim those with less application. The value in the book is that it's good to think about transitions with a plan and recognize the disorientation and ambiguity with starting a new position.