2/8/2018 A FIRST 100 DAYS CHECKLIST

Robert Hargrove: The Best Advice You'll Ever Get

A FIRST 100 DAYS CHECKLIST

Posted by Robert Hargrove

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I am often asked by executives, “What are the ten things that I should do in
my first hundred days?” Here are some pointers to keep in mind:

1. Get a multi-dimensional view of the business. Look at the business from as

many different perspectives as possible: board members, executive team, industry
gurus, colleagues, customers, competition, front-line people.

2. Ask: What are the biggest opportunities and challenges? What are the
biggest strengths and weaknesses, challenges and opportunities facing your
organization as a whole? You need to have a comprehensive understanding of
these, whether you are the CEO business unit leader, or marketing guy.

3. Discover: What’s missing from this picture? For example, the past leaders of
your business unit may have done okay operationally, but have never thought
strategically. Or, your company makes “me too” products, but is not innovative.

4. Set some goals (the Impossible Future kind) that represent making a
difference. For example: “We are going to set a goal of making 20% of our
revenues each year from innovative new products.”

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5. Figure out what you need to do to deliver on your day job. You may have
been hired because you are brilliant, but what are the basic nuts and bolts
deliverables that everyone expects from your department?

6. Start building a team of ‘A’ players. If you are want to achieve an Impossible
Future, you can’t get there with a team of chronic C’s. If you are a CEO, divide
your business into 5 or 10 profit centers and make sure you have an A player in
each.

7. Never waste a lunch. You won’t be able to achieve your goals if you don’t have a
network of commitment, communication, and support. Take lunch in the company
cafeteria, not in your office, in order to maximize your ability to build relationships
at all levels.

8. Go for some quick “catalytic” wins. You probably already have an idea of some
areas where you want to have an impact. My advice is to bypass elaborate
planning and preparations and go for some quick “catalytic” wins. What goals could
you accomplish in weeks, not months, that could be a spearhead for a larger
breakthrough?

9. Manage your time ruthlessly. Ask staff members to set up appointments to see
you. It’s good having an open door policy, but too many drive-by meetings can kill
you. Give your PA a list of top priority people whose phone calls you will take. If
possible, only do email twice a day -- early morning and late afternoon.

10. Don’t forget work/life balance. It’s great to be fanatical about your goals, but
you won’t be able to achieve them if you don’t pay attention to health, fitness, and
your family. Schedule yourself to do exercise at a certain time every day. Watch
the food you eat and make the time to spend quality time with your family.

Tags: First 100 Day Plan, Coaching First 100 Days

Dan 2/27/2012, 11:47:34 PM

I am looking forward to direct application of this great compilation of experiential and

intelligent checklist!

Reply to Dan

Susan Youngquist 2/28/2012, 3:32:50 PM

Good luck Dan, if I can be of help, please let me know.

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Reply to Susan Youngquist

Andrea McAllister 8/14/2013, 4:21:13 PM

Boy do I suck at this

Reply to Andrea McAllister

Caroline 4/8/2014, 2:03:48 AM

great article

Reply to Caroline

Eva Ballai 10/8/2014, 11:03:14 AM

I d the checklist for my new job urgently

Reply to Eva Ballai

Lee 2/20/2015, 6:19:04 PM

here you go

Reply to Lee

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