The First 90 Days in Government

by Daly, Peter H.

• ISBN13: 9781591399551
• ISBN10: 1591399556
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2006-07-30
• Publisher: Harvard Business School Pr

Summary

More than 250,000 public sector managers in the United States take on new positions each year and many more aspire to leadership. Each will confront special challenges--from higher public profiles to a greater number of stakeholders to volatile political environments--that will make their transitions even more challenging than in the business world. Now Michael H. Watkins, author of the best-selling book The First 90 Days, applies his proven leadership transition framework to the public sector. Watkins and co-author Peter H. Daly address the crucial differences between the private and public sectors that go to the heart of how success and failure are defined, measured, and rewarded or penalized. This concise, practical book provides a roadmap to help new government leaders at all levels accelerate their transitions by overcoming nine transition challenges, ranging from clarifying expectations to defining goals to building a team to managing personal stress. The authors also offer detailed strategies for avoiding major "transition traps." Zeroing in on the challenges facing new government leaders, Getting Up to Speed in Government is an indispensable guide for anyone seeking to lead and succeed in the public sector.

Table of Contents

Preface	ix
Acknowledgments	xiii
Introduction: Getting Up to Speed	1	(16)
Clarify Expectations	17	(20)
Match Strategy to Situation	37	(20)
Accelerate Your Learning	57	(26)
Secure Early Wins	83	(20)
Build the Team	103	(28)
Create Alliances	131	(24)
Achieve Alignment	155	(28)
Avoid Predictable Surprises	183	(18)
Manage Yourself	201	(24)
Conclusion: Accelerate Everyone	225	(10)
Notes	235	(6)
Recommended Reading	241	(4)
Index	245	(10)
About the Authors	255