Make the first 100 days count

Starbucks’ new chief executive has pledged to restore the coffee chain’s status as a “community coffee house.”

Which got me thinking.

The first 100 days.

It's a period every new leader obsesses over.

Franklin D. Roosevelt set the standard during his presidency in 1933. In his first 100 days, he passed 76 pieces of legislation and took major actions to address the Great Depression.

Since then, the first 100 days have become a benchmark for evaluating new leaders.

You need a plan for these crucial days.

• Are your issues on the political agenda?
• What threats do you face?
• What opportunities do these first 100 days present?

The first 100 days are critical because:

• New leaders have the most political capital and public goodwill
• It sets the tone and direction for the administration
• It shows the leader's priorities and ability to implement promises
• Media focus and public attention are intense

During this time, decision-makers are agile and motivated, riding high on a political honeymoon. They have the most license they'll ever have to act.

But it’s not without challenges.

• High expectations that may be difficult to meet
• A steep learning curve, especially for those new to governing

Your job? Help decision-makers overcome these challenges and secure wins in their first 100 days. Don’t sit this crucial period out.

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