The New Leader’s 100-Day Action Plan

About the Author

George B. Bradt, Jayme A. Check, and Jorge E. Pedraza are the minds behind The New Leader's 100-Day Action Plan. George B. Bradt is the founder and managing director of PrimeGenesis, an executive transition consultancy. Jayme A. Check, also a founder of PrimeGenesis, serves as the president of Quantum Leap Associates. Jorge E. Pedraza has extensive experience leading startups and reinventing established businesses, having worked at Concrete Media and Le Monde Interactive. Together, they bring a wealth of knowledge and practical experience to guide new leaders through their critical first 100 days.

Main Idea

The book emphasizes the importance of the first 100 days in a new leadership role. According to Bradt, Check, and Pedraza, these initial days are crucial for setting the tone, building relationships, and establishing a foundation for future success. The authors provide a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to help new leaders navigate this challenging period, avoid common pitfalls, and achieve quick wins that build credibility and momentum.

Table of Contents

1. Create Your New Leadership Role
2. Sell Before You Buy: Answer the Only Three Interview Questions
3. Map and Avoid the Most Common Land Mines
4. Do Your Due Diligence on the Organization, Role, and Fit
5. Act Differently When You Are Promoted from Within
6. Take Control of Your Own Start
7. Decide How to Engage the New Culture
8. Drive Action with an Ongoing Communication Campaign
9. Planning Day One
10. Embed a Strong Burning Imperative by Day 30
11. Exploit Key Milestones to Drive Team Performance by Day 45
12. Over-Invest in Early Wins to Build Team Confidence by Day 60
13. Secure Adept People in the Right Roles with the Right Support by Day 70
14. Evolve People, Plans, and Practices to Capitalize on Changing Circumstances

Create Your New Leadership Role

To effectively step into a new leadership role, it’s essential to know and declare your leadership qualities and capacities. This declaration is not just about self-affirmation but about setting a clear path for your career. The authors recommend starting with a Five-Step Career Plan:

1. Likes and Dislikes: Reflect on your past activities and jobs, identifying what you enjoyed and what you didn’t. This helps uncover underlying values.
2. Ideal Job Criteria: With your values in mind, define the criteria for your ideal job, ensuring they align with your strengths and interests.
3. Long-Term Goals: Determine what you want to achieve in the long run.
4. Options: Generate multiple career options and consider various paths to success.
5. Choice: Evaluate your options and make a decision. If your gut feeling is positive, you've likely made the right choice.

Communicating your readiness for leadership is equally important. Start leading something—whether it's a project or an event—to demonstrate your capabilities.

Sell Before You Buy: Answer the Only Three Interview Questions

The authors emphasize the importance of securing a job offer before deciding whether to accept it. In any interview, there are only three fundamental questions:

1. Can you do the job?
2. Will you love the job?
3. Can I tolerate working with you?

Understanding these questions allows you to tailor your answers and questions during the interview process to showcase your strengths, motivations, and fit for the organization.