A 30-60-90 day plan is a step-by-step guide that outlines your goals and objectives for the first three months on the job. It’s a useful tool to help you set priorities, identify potential challenges, and strategize how you’ll tackle them.
Breaking Down the 30-60-90 Day Plan
Understanding the Basics
A 30-60-90 day plan is a comprehensive roadmap to help you achieve your short-term objectives. This type of plan is typically divided into three main milestones:
- 30-day goal
- 60-day goal
- 90-day goal
Each milestone focuses on different aspects of your goals and takes you one step closer to success. For instance, during the first 30 days, you might concentrate on understanding your workplace, familiarizing yourself with coworkers, and getting a grasp on your responsibilities. Then, the 60-day mark is often about tackling bigger challenges and getting more involved in your role. By the end of 90 days, you should be well-integrated, functioning effectively, and contributing to the organization’s success.
Setting SMART Goals
SMART stands for:
- Specific: Clearly define your objectives.
- Measurable: Ensure your goals have quantifiable outcomes.
- Achievable: Set realistic goals that you can attain within the given timeframe.
- Relevant: Align your goals with your broader objectives and organization’s needs.
- Time-bound: Assign deadlines for each goal.
Setting SMART goals in your plan can help ensure you’re on track to meet your objectives and make progress in your personal and professional growth.
Crafting a Winning Strategy
- Identify key tasks: Make a list of tasks and responsibilities that need to be accomplished during each stage (30, 60, and 90 days).
- Allocate resources: Determine what resources, tools, or support you need to achieve your goals.
- Prioritize: Highlight the tasks that are most important or have the most significant impact on your overall success.
- Schedule milestones: Set specific deadlines for each goal to help keep yourself accountable.
- Regularly review: Review your progress at each milestone, and adjust your plan if needed.
30-60-90 Day Plan Examples
Example 1
Day 1-30: Getting Started
Goals:
– Understand the Landscape: Dive deep into company culture, values, and mission. Get to know the team, key stakeholders, and existing workflows.
– Training and Onboarding: Complete all necessary training modules and familiarize yourself with tools and systems.
– Initial Assessments: Begin evaluating current processes, identifying quick wins, and noting areas for improvement.
Actions:
1. Attend orientation and training sessions.
2. Schedule one-on-one meetings with team members and stakeholders.
3. Review company documentation, past projects, and reports.
4. Start small projects or tasks to get hands-on experience.
Success Metrics:
– Completed all onboarding sessions and training.
– Built initial relationships with team members.
– Identified at least three areas for potential improvement.
Day 31-60: Making Strides
Goals:
– Deep Dive into Projects: Begin taking ownership of projects and contributing to team goals.
– Implementing Improvements: Start addressing the quick wins and initial improvements identified.
– Feedback Loop: Establish a regular feedback loop with your manager and team.
Actions:
1. Take on more complex tasks and projects.
2. Implement process improvements and track their impact.
3. Regularly check in with your manager for feedback and guidance.
4. Continue building relationships and understanding team dynamics.
Success Metrics:
– Successfully managed at least one significant project or task.
– Implemented and documented improvements with measurable impact.
– Received constructive feedback and made adjustments accordingly.
Day 61-90: Driving Impact
Goals:
– Full Ownership: Take full ownership of your role and responsibilities.
– Strategic Contributions: Start contributing to strategic planning and long-term goals.
– Leadership and Mentorship: Begin mentoring newer team members and sharing your expertise.
Actions:
1. Lead a project from start to finish, ensuring alignment with team objectives.
2. Participate in strategic planning sessions and offer insights.
3. Mentor and support new hires or junior team members.
4. Continue seeking feedback and refining your approach.
Success Metrics:
– Demonstrated full ownership of your role through successful project completion.
– Made meaningful contributions to strategic discussions.
– Provided mentorship and support to at least one team member.
– Established a track record of consistent performance and improvement.
Example 2
First 30 Days – The Learning Phase
• Get to know your team and understand the company culture
• Familiarize yourself with the tools, systems, and processes
• Shadow colleagues and attend training sessions
• Identify key stakeholders and set up introductory meetings
• Start contributing to small projects and tasks
Goals:
1. Understand your role and responsibilities
2. Build relationships with your team and stakeholders
3. Develop a solid foundation of knowledge
Next 30 Days – The Implementing Phase
• Take on more responsibility and lead small projects
• Identify areas for improvement and propose solutions
• Collaborate with your team to achieve goals
• Attend industry events or conferences to expand your knowledge
• Start tracking your progress and achievements
Goals:
1. Demonstrate your value and contribute to the team’s success
2. Implement new ideas and improvements
3. Build your professional network
Final 30 Days – The Excelling Phase
• Take the lead on a significant project or initiative
• Mentor new team members and share your knowledge
• Present your achievements and insights to leadership
• Set long-term goals and create a plan for continued growth
• Celebrate your successes and recognize your team’s contributions
Goals:
1. Establish yourself as a valuable asset to the company
2. Develop leadership skills and take on more responsibility
3. Create a roadmap for your future growth and success
Example 3
30-60-90 Day Plan
Objectives
Day 1-30: Integration and Assessment
Day 31-60: Implementation and Contribution
Day 61-90: Optimization and Leadership
–
Day 1-30: Integration and Assessment
Objectives:
– Gain a comprehensive understanding of the organization’s culture, mission, and strategic goals.
– Establish strong working relationships with team members and key stakeholders.
– Conduct an in-depth analysis of current processes and identify initial areas for improvement.
Key Actions:
1. Complete all required onboarding and training programs.
2. Schedule and conduct introductory meetings with colleagues and stakeholders.
3. Review company resources, including internal documentation, recent project reports, and performance metrics.
4. Observe and document existing workflows and practices.
Success Metrics:
– Successful completion of onboarding and training sessions.
– Established professional relationships with at least five key stakeholders.
– Identified and documented initial areas for potential process enhancements.
Day 31-60: Implementation and Contribution
Objectives:
– Begin actively contributing to projects and team objectives.
– Implement improvements based on initial assessments and feedback.
– Develop a feedback mechanism to monitor progress and adapt strategies as needed.
Key Actions:
1. Take on responsibility for specific projects or tasks.
2. Implement identified process improvements and track their effectiveness.
3. Regularly meet with the manager to discuss progress and receive constructive feedback.
4. Continue building professional relationships within the organization.
Success Metrics:
– Successfully managed and contributed to assigned projects.
– Implemented and evaluated at least two process improvements with positive results.
– Established a regular feedback loop with the manager.
– Enhanced professional network within the organization.
Day 61-90: Optimization and Leadership
Objectives:
– Fully assume the responsibilities of your role, demonstrating competence and reliability.
– Contribute to long-term strategic planning and organizational goals.
– Provide mentorship and support to colleagues and newer team members.
Key Actions:
1. Lead a significant project from initiation to completion, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
2. Participate in strategic planning sessions and provide informed insights.
3. Mentor new team members, sharing knowledge and best practices.
4. Continue to seek feedback and refine processes for ongoing improvement.
Success Metrics:
– Demonstrated full ownership and successful completion of a major project.
– Made valuable contributions to strategic planning initiatives.
– Actively mentored and supported at least one new team member.
– Consistently received positive feedback on performance and process optimizations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I include in my 30-day section of the plan for a new job?
During the first 30 days, focus on understanding your new environment and getting to know your team. Prioritize learning about company culture, policies, and tools. Set goals for meeting key people, attending important meetings, and completing any required training.
How can I craft a 60-day plan that shows I’m management material?
In your 60-day plan, demonstrate your ability to drive results. Focus on a few projects or initiatives that can showcase your leadership skills and drive positive impact. Establish measurable goals, such as increasing revenue, improving processes, or building new partnerships.
Could you give me an example of what a 90-day leadership strategy might look like?
A 90-day leadership strategy could include:
Goals
- Increase team productivity by 20%
- Boost team morale through improved communication and recognition
Actions
- Implement a weekly team status update and celebrate project milestones
- Conduct one-on-one meetings with each team member to discuss and set clear expectations
What are some top tips for presenting a 30-60-90 day plan during an interview?
- Start strong: Provide context and purpose for the plan, emphasizing your understanding of the role and company.
- Be concise: Utilize bullet points and visuals to provide clear, digestible information.
- Provide evidence: Use data or examples from past experiences to support your ideas.
- Tailor your plan: Customize the plan for the specific company and job, showing that you’ve done your research.
- Be open to feedback: Be prepared to discuss suggestions or concerns that arise during your presentation.
How does a 30-60-90 day plan support effective onboarding for executives?
A 30-60-90 plan helps executives set priorities, learn the company culture, and align their goals with organizational objectives. Breaking the plan into manageable goals and milestones ensures a smoother transition into your new role and makes a strong impact from the first day.