Reflections on my first 90 Days …

I’m 3 months and about 1000 interactions late … however, I wanted to share some of what I learned/tried in my first 90 days back at Rackspace. 

Initial Thoughts (what I wanted to do)

·     Establish Clear Objectives (this means having a finite #) – It was up to me to discuss the objectives in every meeting. If done right, the managers reporting to me would start to mention the common goals in their meetings.

·     Reiterate (tell them, tell them again, remind them what I just told them) – It’s hard not to stress this enough. Keep it simple. Share the goals – rinse and repeat (often).

·     Have a Clear View of Success – what do you plan to accomplish quickly. Seriously – DO NOT try to solve every issue or challenge right away. Pick the fights that need immediate attention and then focus.

All of that is easy to say and write. Harder to do. Taking it a step further, I suggest you ask these questions/find these answers:

• It’s About Building Momentum

Why am I here? Why are you here? Why are we here? 

The common denominator? - Find your WHY.

People rally around a reason and if you can provide that reason – you will have an army of promoters

• Know the Players who directly impact you

Who is in your way? Who do you need to win over?

Who are you NOT going to win over but still need to work with?

Who benefits from your success or failure?

• Understand the Players you directly impact

What do they need? Can you help them?

What motivates them?

What have they been missing? Can you fill the gap?

• Next - Be Aware

I kid you not - You don’t know what you don’t know (and you never will)

You will step on the toes of people you didn’t even know existed

Your personal "brand" speaks for you when you're not in the room (good or bad)

• It’s About Building Momentum

Pick your battles … hey, you will get your ass kicked.  It’s ok.  Adjust and move forward.

You are not in this alone and approaching it that way is a straight path to failure.

Find good people, be nice to them and – most importantly – be grateful.  I don’t think there is any more powerful phrase than, “Thank You” - if you don't say it every day then you are failing (<90 days in or longer).

How’d it go? We crushed our targets and changed the way we approached and solved problems.  I was able achieve success because of the people around me and the fact they bought into the overall plan.  Six months in and I’m humbled and wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.