The 8-point plan

Performance counts more than ever, tenures are shortening, insiders no longer have an advantage and the time you have to prove yourself is short. How do you make certain that what you do in the first 100 days builds a strong enough foundation on which you can build long-term success?

The authors conducted research among top CEOs — both those who have succeeded and those who have failed — revealing a series of key actions that will help achieve a great first 100 days, a platform on which to build enduring performance.

We refer to this platform as the 8-point plan, which forms part of what we call the first 100-days pyramid:

The Eight Point Plan: 1-Prepare Yourself During the Countdown. 2-Align Expectations. 3-Shape Your Management Team. 4-Craft Your Strategic Agenda. 5-Start Transforming Culture. 6-Manage Your Board/Boss. 7-Communicate. 8-Avoid Common Pitfalls.