Browse
Log in / Register
Share
Successfully navigating the first 60 days in a new role is less about simply completing tasks and more about strategically establishing your value and setting a foundation for long-term success. Based on our assessment experience, the most effective new hires use this period to secure early wins, align with key stakeholders, and create a actionable development plan.
After your initial 30-day settling-in period, a formal check-in with your manager is critical. This meeting should move beyond basic updates to a strategic discussion about your three-month plan. The goal is to agree on specific, measurable steps to put your plan into action. This ensures your priorities are directly aligned with your manager’s expectations and the team's objectives. Documenting these agreed-upon actions creates a shared blueprint for success and provides a clear benchmark for your first performance review.
With a clearer understanding of the business, you must now refine your priorities. Revisit the initial list you created in your first month and update it with your new insights. This involves identifying the key stakeholders—individuals or teams outside your immediate function who are crucial to your role's success. Proactively set up meetings with them to understand their objectives and how you can collaborate effectively.
Next, translate these priorities into a clear set of deliverables. These are the tangible outcomes or results you are expected to produce. If these have changed since your 30-day plan, update your strategy accordingly. Creating a visual plan, like the example below, can help track your progress against these goals.
| 60-Day Focus Area | Key Actions | Desired Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Strategic Alignment | Formal check-in with manager; refine 3-month plan. | Clearly defined, agreed-upon priorities and success metrics. |
| Stakeholder Integration | Identify and meet with key cross-functional partners. | Strong working relationships and a clear understanding of interdependencies. |
| Early Value Creation | Identify and execute on a small-scale project or improvement. | A tangible "win" that demonstrates your impact and initiative. |
The second month is the ideal time to focus on your professional growth within the company. Consider seeking a mentor—a more experienced colleague who can provide guidance. You can discuss potential mentors with your manager or identify someone you admire in the organization. A mentoring relationship, whether formal or informal, can accelerate your understanding of the company culture and politics.
Simultaneously, conduct a honest assessment of the skills and knowledge required for your role. If you identify any gaps, add them to a personal development plan. Tracking your achievements and newly acquired skills will not only support your growth but also provide concrete evidence of your progress for future management discussions.
To maximize your first 60 days, focus on these key actions: align strategically with your manager, map and engage with key stakeholders, and create a personal development plan. This proactive approach positions you not just as a new employee, but as a invested, long-term asset to the team.
