If you’re serious about advancing in your Career progression plan, the 30-, 60-, and 90-day Approaches are powerful strategies for setting yourself up for success.
This method breaks down your career progression into clear, manageable steps over three months, allowing you to focus on short-term goals that lead to long-term achievements.
Whether you’re starting a new role, aiming for a promotion, or seeking a fresh start, using the 30, 60, and 90 Days Approach can help you make significant strides in your professional journey.
1. The First 30 Days: Building a Strong Foundation
The first phase of the 30-, 60-, and 90-day approaches is all about laying the groundwork for your success. In these initial 30 days, focus on learning, adapting, and setting the stage for future contributions.
Key Objectives:
- Learn the Landscape: Understand the company culture, team dynamics, and organizational goals. Familiarize yourself with the tools and processes you’ll need to succeed.
- Build Relationships: Connect with key stakeholders, team members, and managers. Networking is crucial in these early days.
- Set Clear Expectations: Clarify your role, responsibilities, and expectations with your supervisor. Ensure you’re aligned with the team’s objectives.
Assessment Questions:
- Have I fully grasped the organizational structure and my role within it?
- Have I started to build strong relationships with my colleagues?
- Am I clear on what is expected of me in this position?
Example Goal: "In the first 30 days, I will meet with all key stakeholders to understand their expectations and begin building a strong professional network."
2. The Next 60 Days: Starting to Make an Impact
As you move into the second phase of the 30, 60, and 90 Days Approach, the focus shifts from learning to contributing. The following 30 days (days 31-60) are about applying your knowledge and making a noticeable impact.
Key Objectives:
- Take Ownership: Begin taking on tasks and projects that align with your strengths. Deliver early wins to show your value.
- Refine Skills: Identify any gaps in your skills or knowledge and work on closing them. Seek feedback regularly to improve.
- Increase Visibility: Actively participate in meetings and discussions. Make sure your peers and managers recognize your contributions.
Assessment Questions:
- Have I started taking on key projects and responsibilities?
- Am I receiving feedback and using it to enhance my performance?
- Is my work and contribution becoming more visible within the team?
Example Goal: "In the next 60 days, I will take ownership of a project and deliver results that showcase my skills and contribute to the team’s objectives."
3. The Final 90 Days: Driving Long-Term Success
The last phase of the 30, 60, and 90-day Approaches is about consolidating your gains and setting the stage for sustained success. By reaching the 90-day mark, you should be fully integrated into your role and actively driving results.
Key Objectives:
- Deliver Tangible Results: Focus on achieving key milestones, demonstrating your capability, and aligning with the company’s goals.
- Solidify Your Reputation: By now, you should be seen as a reliable, influential team member. Continue to build on this by delivering consistent, high-quality work.
- Plan for the Future: Start setting long-term goals and discussing career development opportunities with your manager. Use the insights from the past 90 days to shape your career path.
Assessment Questions:
- Have I delivered significant results that contribute to the team’s success?
- Is my reputation within the company solid and positive?
- Am I clear on my long-term career goals and how to achieve them?
Example Goal: "In the final 90 days, I will deliver a major project that showcases my abilities and begin planning for my next career milestones."
4. Review and Reflect: Continuous Improvement
Once you’ve completed your 30, 60, and 90 Days Approach, take time to reflect on your progress.
This review will help you identify your strengths, areas for improvement, and next steps in your career journey.
Key Actions:
- Celebrate Successes: Acknowledge the goals you’ve achieved and the progress you’ve made. Use these successes as a foundation for future growth.
- Identify Growth Areas: Reflect on challenges and areas where you can improve. Continuous learning and development are key to career progression.
- Set New Goals: Based on your assessment, set new 30, 60, and 90-day goals. This ongoing cycle will keep you focused and motivated.
Example Goal: "After reflecting on my progress, I will set new 30, 60, and 90-day goals focused on expanding my leadership skills and increasing my responsibilities within the team."
Why the 30, 60, and 90 Days Approach Works
The 30, 60, and 90 Days Approach is a proven method for driving career success because it combines short-term action with long-term planning.
By breaking down your goals into manageable timeframes, you stay focused, motivated, and aligned with your career objectives.
Whether you’re starting a new job or looking to advance in your current role, this approach provides a structured path to achieve your career goals and drive lasting success.