First impressions matter. That’s true in life, and it’s especially true in leadership. The first 60 to 90 days in a new role set the tone for your team, your board, your stakeholders, and the public.  

You don’t get a second chance to do it right. 

Many leaders want to jump straight into problem-solving mode. You want to get to work. You want to show people they made the right choice. But acting too quickly—before you’ve uncovered important information they didn’t tell you in the interview, built relationships, set direction, or earned trust—can backfire.

Another common trap is skipping the groundwork because the organization already knows you. You’ve been promoted, so why do the whole song and dance? While you may be familiar, your leadership isn’t. People need to see you in the new role, acting like a leader, communicating like one. They’ll be watching closely.

Some new leaders spend their early days behind closed doors. When they finally emerge, they find that others have already filled in the blanks—about who they are, what they care about, and where they’re going. And that narrative may not be accurate. Or helpful.

Here’s the good news: success for new leaders isn’t complicated. It’s about building the right structure from the start—connecting people, plans, and priorities to support the journey ahead.

Start with the foundation.

You’ve been chosen for this role because you’re trusted to lead. That’s your footing. But early confidence is fragile. People are still forming opinions. Be visible. Be deliberate. Make sure the people who matter most can see your leadership in action.

Lay out a clear path.

Set a goal for your first 60 to 90 days. What do you want your team and others to know, feel, or do by the end of that time? That early direction gives your leadership momentum and helps others walk with you instead of waiting to see where you’ll go.

Use the right materials.

Communications tools—like speaking notes, events, listening sessions, and a strong narrative—aren’t “nice to haves.” They’re your steel and stone. Without them, even the best plan can collapse under pressure.

Tell your story.

Early on, people don’t just want updates. They want to know who you are and what you stand for. They want to believe in the road ahead. So share your thinking. Talk about your priorities. Let them see your values, not just your resume.

Don’t build alone.

No leader succeeds without the right team around them. That means more than communications support. It means trusted strategic advice, clarity under pressure, and someone to help you stay focused when things get noisy.

Those early days shape everything. They also set the tone for how your Marketing team assesses your ability to be a thought leader and elevate your organization’s brand in the age of Generative AI search. The most successful leaders we’ve worked with understand that. They know that you go slow to go fast. Take the time up front to build the right connections and set the right pace, and you’ll move much faster later.

We’re here to help. From Day One, we’ll help you build a leadership launch that stands the test of time and scrutiny.

We will: 

1. Help you set your 90-day plan

2. Create your internal and external leadership narrative 

3. Create communications materials to support your leadership story and 90-day plan 

4. Advise and coach you along the way.

You’ve got this. And we’ve got your back.

Send us a message!