90-Day Planning Template for First-Time Managers
A simple 10-minute tool to clarify your priorities and build confidence in your first 90 days.
Your first 90 days as a new manager can feel overwhelming.
New expectations. New responsibilities. More decisions than you expected.
This simple planning template helps you focus on what actually matters in your first three months - without overcomplicating it.
It’s not a 20-page leadership plan. It’s a focused 10-minute reset.
What this tool helps you do:
- Clarify what success looks like in your role
- Identify early credibility moves
- Spot what you should delegate
- Address conversations you’ve been avoiding
- Define one clear leadership focus
Work through the template below to generate your personal plan.
It takes around 10 minutes.
Keep your answers concise and specific - this is about clarity, not perfection.
90-Day Planning Template for First-Time Managers
A simple 10-minute tool to clarify your priorities and build confidence in your first 90 days.
Month 1 – Build credibility
Get clear on what “good” looks like, build trust, and stabilise the team.
Tip: write 2–3 outcomes you’ll be judged on (quality, speed, stakeholder confidence, delivery).
Tip: think “what would make the next 2 weeks calmer or clearer for them?”
Tip: pick people who influence your success (not just who’s most senior).
Month 2 – Create clarity
Reduce confusion. Delegate properly. Get expectations out of your head and into the open.
Tip: choose something you’re doing because it feels quicker to do yourself.
Tip: pick one area where people might currently be guessing (quality bar, deadlines, roles, ownership).
Tip: name it plainly. Early conversations prevent bigger problems later.
Month 3 – Shape standards
Start reinforcing the behaviours you want more of - and address what’s getting in the way.
Tip: make it observable. What do you want to see people doing more of?
Tip: be factual. One issue you’ll tackle rather than tolerate.
Tip: pick the one that would make the biggest difference in the next 90 days.
Your 90-Day Focus Statement
One line that keeps you grounded when everything gets busy.
Use this plan as a working document.
Revisit it at 30, 60 and 90 days to track your progress and adjust your focus.
What Next?
Clarity is a strong start. Development builds momentum.
If this tool highlighted areas you’d like to strengthen, explore our practical New Manager training pathway covering:
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Confidence and personal impact
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Handling challenging conversations
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Delegation and accountability
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Influencing without authority
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this 90-day planning template?
Is this a formal assessment?
Who is this tool for?
Do I need to sign up?
Can I use this quiz with my team?
Get in Touch
Developing New Managers in Your Organisation?
If you’re supporting newly promoted managers and want to build confidence, clarity and accountability across your teams, we deliver practical training in:
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Personal impact and confidence
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Influencing without authority
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Delegation and accountability
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Handling challenging conversations
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