The First 90 Days Checklist That Will Change Your Career Forever

Your first ninety days decide your next promotion. Here is the insider framework ambitious women use to get seen, trusted, and positioned for leadership from day one.

The first time I learned how powerful the first ninety days could be, I was sitting in a leadership meeting reviewing talent for a future promotion slate. A woman who had only been in her role for a few weeks kept coming up in conversation. She was not the loudest on the team. She was not the most tenured. But she was already showing up with clarity, thoughtfulness, and presence.

Leaders said things like:

“She is already elevating every conversation she is part of.”

“She understands what matters here.”

“She sees what needs to happen, then moves.”

That moment taught me something most women are never told.

Your first ninety days shape the way people experience your leadership long before your first review. Leaders are already forming quiet impressions of how you think, communicate, and show up.

This guide will help you do that with confidence and intention.

And if you want a deeper dive into standing out early, read my full guide on standing out at work here.

Why Your First 90 Days Matter More Than You Think

In your first ninety days, leaders are assessing:

• How quickly you learn

• How clearly you communicate

• How you manage your work

• How you build relationships

• Whether you ask thoughtful questions

• Whether you elevate conversations

• How you partner across teams

You do not need to know everything.

You only need to show up with clarity, presence, and purpose.

The 4 Phases of a High Impact First 90 Days

This framework mirrors the free checklist I created for you.

Download it here:

These phases are designed to help you build confidence, trust, and visibility in a grounded, strategic way.

Phase 1. Identity and Intention (Days 1 to 10)

Set the foundation for who you are becoming.

1. Choose Your Leadership Identity

Pick three words that describe how you want to be known this year.

Examples from the checklist include:

• Strategic

• Consistent

• Solution oriented

  
  

These become your internal compass.

2. Script Your Presence Statement

Create a short introduction that positions you as a high-value, strategic hire.

A template you can use:

“My work centers on creating clarity, elevating processes, and supporting teams so they operate more effectively. I focus on alignment, results, and making work easier for everyone involved.”

If you want help crafting this introduction, download my Elevator Pitch Template.

3. Decode the Culture

Observe:

• How decisions get made

• How information moves

• Who influences what

• What communication style earns trust

Your job is not to judge.

Your job is to understand.

4. Align Early With Your Manager

Ask this question:

“What does great look like in this role by day ninety”

This tells your manager you are intentional, focused, and invested in doing meaningful work.

Phase 2. Visibility and Relationship Building (Days 11 to 30)

Be visible without performing. Build trust without overextending.

5. Identify Your Top Five Stakeholders

Your checklist instructs you to schedule listening conversations with the five people who influence your work the most.

Ask them:

• What do you need from me for our partnership to be effective

• What matters most in your world

• What would support you the most

These conversations give you clarity and build connection.

6. Map Your Stakeholders

Circle the people who need to know your work, then add them to your calendar so you stay connected.

7. Study High Performers

Observe:

• How they write emails

• How they share ideas

• How they hold meetings

• How they navigate conflict

Not to mimic, but to understand the skills that matter in this environment.

8. Deliver a Small, Meaningful Win

Look for something you can improve quickly:

• A messy process

• A confusing workflow

• A recurring task that needs clarity

• A mini project that strengthens team outcomes

These early wins build trust instantly.

If you want more guidance on how to stand out in your first month, read this.

Phase 3. Communication and Presence (Days 31 to 60)

Build trust through clarity. Lead through communication.

9. Send Weekly Three-Bullet Updates

Every week, send your manager:

1. What you completed

2. What you are focusing on next

3. What decisions or resources you need

This reduces micromanagement and raises trust.

10. Share Your Strategic Thinking

Before presenting an idea, explain the why before the what.

You can say:

“Here is the problem I am seeing, here is why it matters, and here is my recommendation.”

To deepen your communication skills, read this guide on preparing for interviews with confidence.

11. Practice Leadership Presence

Offer one thoughtful question or one concise insight in each meeting.

Presence is not loud.

Presence is consistent.

12. Document Every Win

Use the visibility log from your checklist to track:

• Feedback

• Praise

• Completed projects

• Tangible results

• Leadership moments

This is your future promotion evidence.

And if communication is an area you want to strengthen, grab my 7 visibility scripts that take you from overlooked to in demand.

Phase 4. Growth and Ownership (Days 61 to 90)

Shift from contributor to leader.

13. Improve One Process

Identify a workflow that is slowing people down and propose a solution.

14. Schedule a 90 Day Check-In

Bring three things:

• Your biggest wins

• Lessons learned

• Your plan for the next ninety days

This invites partnership and demonstrates maturity.

15. Define Your Future Development Areas

Outline the three skills or capabilities you want to grow this year.

16. Set Your Next 90 Day Goal

Choose one clear, measurable objective that aligns with your team’s priorities.

If you want support advocating for yourself during these conversations, use my Salary Script freebie.

YOUR OFFICIAL FIRST 90 DAYS VISIBILITY CHECKLIST

Download the full checklist here.

This includes:

• Identity setting prompts

• Stakeholder mapping

• Weekly update template

• Visibility log

• 90 day ownership plan

How to Stay Grounded During Your First 90 Days

The Rise 365 Planner gives you the structure and clarity you need to stay organized, confident, and aligned during the busiest season of your career.

Explore the Rise 365 Planner here.

Final Word

Your first ninety days are not an audition.

They are a declaration of the leader you are becoming.

Do not shrink.

Do not guess.

Do not wait to be seen.

Set the tone.

Lead with clarity.

And let your presence speak for itself.

If you want ongoing support with clarity, confidence, and career strategy, explore The Vault.