You Have Just Been Hired As The Assistant Manager

You've Just Been Hired as Assistant Manager: Your First 90 Days and Beyond

Congratulations! Landing an assistant manager position is a significant career achievement. It signifies trust, responsibility, and the potential for future growth. But the excitement of a new job can quickly fade if you're not prepared. This comprehensive guide will walk you through your first 90 days, outlining key strategies for success and setting the foundation for a thriving career.

Phase 1: The First 30 Days – Observation, Learning, and Relationship Building

The initial month isn't about making sweeping changes; it's about absorbing information and building crucial relationships. Your focus should be on understanding the existing systems, processes, and team dynamics.

Understand the Business:

• Immerse Yourself in Company Culture: Observe how employees interact, the communication style, and the overall work environment. This helps you integrate seamlessly and understand unspoken rules.
• Deep Dive into Operations: Familiarize yourself with the day-to-day operations, including sales processes, inventory management, customer service protocols, and reporting structures. Ask questions! Don't be afraid to seem inquisitive – it's expected at this stage.
• Review Existing Documentation: Scrutinize company handbooks, training materials, and past performance reports to gain a comprehensive understanding of the business's history, strengths, and weaknesses.
• Identify Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): Understand what metrics are used to measure success in your department and the company as a whole. This knowledge is critical for setting goals and tracking progress.

Building Relationships:

• Meet Your Team: Take the time to get to know each team member individually. Learn about their roles, responsibilities, strengths, and challenges. Build rapport and foster a collaborative environment.
• Connect with Your Manager: Schedule regular check-in meetings to discuss your progress, seek guidance, and ensure you're aligned with their expectations. Open communication is vital for success.
• Network with Other Departments: Understand how your department interacts with others and build relationships with key personnel in different areas. This cross-functional understanding is incredibly valuable.
• Identify Mentors: Seek out experienced individuals within the company who can offer guidance and support. Their insights can be invaluable in navigating the complexities of your new role.

Setting Expectations:

• Clarify Your Role and Responsibilities: Have a thorough discussion with your manager about your specific duties, reporting lines, and performance expectations. Ensure you have a clear understanding of your role and how it contributes to the overall goals of the company.
• Establish Communication Protocols: Determine the preferred methods of communication for various situations (e.g., email for formal communication, instant messaging for quick updates). Consistency is key.
• Set Realistic Goals: Work with your manager to establish achievable short-term goals for your first 30, 60, and 90 days. This provides a clear roadmap for your progress.

Phase 2: Months 2-3 – Active Participation and Process Improvement

This phase is about actively contributing to the team's success and identifying areas for improvement. You'll begin to leverage your observations from the first month to make meaningful contributions.

Take Initiative:

• Volunteer for Projects: Actively seek out opportunities to contribute to ongoing projects. This demonstrates your proactive nature and willingness to learn.
• Identify and Solve Problems: Utilize your observations to identify areas where processes can be improved or inefficiencies eliminated. Propose solutions and implement them where appropriate.
• Develop Your Skills: Identify areas where you need further development and actively seek opportunities to enhance your skills through training, workshops, or online courses.
• Delegate Effectively (If Applicable): As an assistant manager, you may have some supervisory responsibilities. Learn to delegate tasks effectively, ensuring clear communication and proper oversight.

Strengthening Team Dynamics:

• Foster Teamwork: Encourage collaboration and open communication within the team. Facilitate teamwork and problem-solving sessions.
• Provide Support and Mentorship (If Applicable): Offer support and guidance to team members, fostering a positive and collaborative environment. Mentoring junior staff can significantly impact team morale and productivity.
• Address Conflict Constructively: Address conflicts promptly and fairly, ensuring all parties feel heard and understood. Focus on finding solutions rather than assigning blame.
• Recognize and Reward Achievements: Acknowledge and reward individual and team accomplishments. Positive reinforcement boosts morale and motivates the team.

Strategic Planning and Analysis:

• Contribute to Strategic Planning: Participate in strategic planning meetings and offer your insights and perspectives. Your fresh perspective can be valuable.
• Analyze Key Metrics: Regularly monitor and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) to identify trends and areas needing attention. Data-driven decision making is crucial.
• Develop Reports and Presentations: Prepare reports and presentations to communicate your findings and recommendations to your manager and other stakeholders. Clear and concise communication is essential.

Phase 3: Months 3-6 – Consolidation, Innovation, and Future Planning

The final three months of your initial period are about consolidating your achievements, identifying opportunities for innovation, and planning for the future.

Review and Refine:

• Review Your 90-Day Goals: Assess your progress against your initial 90-day goals. Identify what you've achieved, where you fell short, and what adjustments need to be made.
• Seek Feedback: Actively solicit feedback from your manager, team members, and other stakeholders. Constructive criticism is invaluable for continuous improvement.
• Refine Processes: Based on your observations and feedback, refine existing processes to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
• Document Best Practices: Document successful strategies and processes to ensure consistency and scalability.

Driving Innovation:

• Identify Opportunities for Improvement: Continuously look for ways to improve processes, products, or services. Propose innovative solutions and ideas.
• Implement New Initiatives: Take the initiative to implement new projects or initiatives that align with the company's strategic goals.
• Embrace Technology: Explore and implement new technologies to improve efficiency and productivity. Staying current with industry trends is vital.
• Foster a Culture of Innovation: Encourage creativity and experimentation within the team, creating a supportive environment for new ideas.

Long-Term Planning:

• Develop a Personal Development Plan: Identify your long-term career goals and develop a plan to achieve them. This plan should include ongoing learning, skill development, and networking opportunities.
• Set Future Goals: Work with your manager to set goals for the next six months to a year. These goals should be aligned with the company's strategic objectives.
• Identify Areas for Growth: Identify areas where the department or company could benefit from additional resources or investment. Propose solutions and strategies for growth.
• Build a Strong Network: Continue to build your network within the company and the wider industry. Networking is essential for career advancement.

Beyond the First 90 Days: Continuous Improvement and Leadership

After the first 90 days, the focus shifts to continuous improvement, leadership development, and contributing to the long-term success of the company. This involves:

• Mentoring and Developing Others: Invest time in mentoring and developing junior team members, fostering a culture of growth and excellence.
• Staying Current with Industry Trends: Continuously stay informed about industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies.
• Seeking Continuous Improvement: Never stop seeking ways to improve your skills, knowledge, and performance. Regular self-assessment is critical.
• Building Strong Relationships: Maintain strong relationships with your team, your manager, and other stakeholders. Trust and collaboration are essential for success.
• Taking Calculated Risks: Be willing to take calculated risks and embrace new challenges. Growth often comes from stepping outside your comfort zone.
• Becoming a Leader: Actively seek opportunities to demonstrate your leadership skills and contribute to the overall success of the company.

Becoming an assistant manager is a significant step in your career. By focusing on observation, learning, relationship building, and continuous improvement, you can successfully navigate your first 90 days and lay the groundwork for a rewarding and successful career. Remember, success is a journey, not a destination. Embrace the challenges, learn from your mistakes, and celebrate your achievements along the way.