A 30 60 90 Day Plan is a strategic blueprint that outlines goals, strategies, and actions for the first three months on a new job, divided into learning, contribution, and growth phases.

A 30 60 90 Day Plan is a strategic blueprint that outlines your goals, strategies, and actions for the first three months on a new job. This plan is not only a roadmap to success for new employees but also a tool that can be utilized by managers and leaders to onboard new team members effectively. Crafting a detailed and actionable 30 60 90 Day Plan involves understanding the company's goals, aligning them with your personal objectives, and setting clear, achievable milestones.

Understanding the Structure of a 30 60 90 Day Plan

The plan is divided into three phases, each spanning 30 days, with specific objectives and outcomes expected at the end of each period.

• First 30 Days (The Learning Phase): Focus on understanding the company culture, products, services, and the specific role's responsibilities. It’s about orientation and assimilation.
• Next 30 Days (The Contribution Phase): Start contributing by applying what you’ve learned. It involves taking on more responsibilities, initiating projects, and building relationships.
• Final 30 Days (The Growth Phase): By now, the aim is to start making a significant impact. It's about optimizing processes, leading initiatives, and demonstrating leadership qualities.

Crafting the First 30 Days: The Learning Phase

During the first month, your primary goal is to absorb as much information as possible. It's crucial to establish a strong foundation of knowledge upon which you can build in the next phases.

• Objective: Understand the company's mission, vision, products, and services. Get to know your team, the company culture, and the tools and processes in place.
• Action Items:
  • Attend onboarding sessions and training workshops.
  • Schedule meetings with key stakeholders and team members to understand their expectations and how your role fits within the team and company.
  • Review company materials such as product manuals, marketing strategies, and customer feedback to get a sense of the business operations.
  • Set up your work environment, including email, project management tools, and any other software you'll need.

Navigating the Next 30 Days: The Contribution Phase

With a solid understanding of the company and your role, it’s time to start contributing. This phase is about showing your value and starting to make a tangible impact.

• Objective: Begin to apply what you've learned by taking on more responsibilities, contributing to projects, and building relationships with colleagues.
• Action Items:
  • Identify areas where you can immediately contribute and take initiative on small projects or tasks.
  • Offer to assist team members with their workload to better understand the day-to-day operations and challenges.
  • Start to implement one or two ideas that can improve processes or results within your scope of work.
  • Seek feedback from your manager and peers to adjust your approach and priorities as needed.

Accelerating in the Final 30 Days: The Growth Phase

The last phase of the plan is about solidifying your place within the company and starting to look at ways you can grow your role and contribute to the company’s long-term success.

• Objective: Optimize processes, lead initiatives, and demonstrate leadership qualities. By now, you should be fully integrated into the team and contributing at a high level.
• Action Items:
  • Lead a project or initiative that showcases your unique skills and contributions to the team.
  • Identify areas for improvement in your workflow or team processes and propose solutions.
  • Begin to mentor or support new team members, sharing your insights and learnings from your first 60 days.
  • Set up a meeting with your manager to review your progress, discuss any challenges, and outline your goals for the next quarter.

Tips for Success

• Be Proactive: Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you. Seek them out, and don’t be afraid to take on new challenges.
• Communicate Effectively: Keep your manager and team updated on your progress. Effective communication is key to success in any role.
• Stay Organized: Keep track of your tasks, projects, and deadlines. Use tools and systems that help you stay on top of your responsibilities.
• Be Flexible: Be prepared to adjust your plan as you learn more about your role and the company. Flexibility is crucial in responding to new challenges and opportunities.
• Seek Feedback: Regularly ask for feedback from your manager and peers. It’s a valuable source of information that can help you adjust your approach and improve.

Conclusion

A 30 60 90 Day Plan is a dynamic tool that helps new employees navigate the complexities of a new job, align with company goals, and demonstrate their value early on. By breaking down the first three months into manageable phases, focusing on learning, contributing, and growing, you can set yourself up for success. Remember, the key to a successful plan is not just in its creation but in its execution. Stay proactive, adaptable, and open to feedback, and you'll not only meet but exceed expectations.