Leadership transitions and GTM strategy development share more similarities than you might think. Both require careful planning, strategic insights, and the ability to learn quickly. In The First 90 Days, Michael Watkins provides a roadmap for new leaders that is equally relevant for entrepreneurs, founders, and innovators launching products or services.
Watkins’ five key themes offer invaluable guidance for navigating new roles—whether you’re leading a team or taking a product to market. Success in either arena requires building the foundation for long-term impact while securing early wins.
Key Concepts from The First 90 Days:
1. Prepare Yourself for the Transition: Watkins emphasizes the importance of preparing mentally and strategically for your new role. The same approach applies to GTM strategies—founders must evaluate the market, identify potential obstacles, and prepare their teams for the challenges ahead. Just as leaders ready themselves for transition, entrepreneurs must anticipate the complexities of launching a product.
2. Accelerate Your Learning Successful leaders learn fast. Watkins encourages rapid learning in the early days to understand organizational culture and processes. For entrepreneurs, this translates to gathering market insights, understanding customer pain points, and iterating based on real-world feedback. Early learning is the key to both leadership and product success.
3. Secure Early Wins In both leadership and business, early wins are critical. Watkins advises focusing on quick, meaningful victories to build credibility. For founders, securing early customers or validating product-market fit can create momentum and pave the way for long-term success.
4. Build Key Relationships Relationships matter in both leadership and business. Watkins highlights the need to build trust with stakeholders and teams, while founders must cultivate relationships with customers, partners, and investors. Strong relationships lay the groundwork for future growth and collaboration.
5. Create a Personal Vision and Strategy Watkins advocates for developing a clear personal vision, much like a founder should create a well-defined GTM strategy. A vision provides direction and focus, aligning both leadership goals and product strategy with long-term objectives.
Applying These Concepts
Much like a new leader’s success depends on their ability to adapt and learn quickly, entrepreneurs must also pivot and adapt as they navigate the complexities of the market. Leaders and founders alike need to secure early wins to gain credibility and build momentum. Founders should approach their GTM strategy with the same level of strategic planning and vision-setting that Watkins recommends for leaders transitioning into new roles.
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
The First 90 Days is a practical and insightful guide for anyone navigating a leadership transition or developing a sustainable GTM strategy. The principles Watkins outlines are just as applicable to launching a new product as they are to leading a new team. A must-read for founders, innovators, and leaders alike.
How Have These Concepts Played Out for You?
Whether you’re developing a GTM strategy or transitioning into a new role, what lessons from The First 90 Days resonate with your experience? Have you seen success through rapid learning or early wins? Let us know in the comments below!