I have read Michael Watkins’s “The First 90 Days” quite a number of years ago. Arguably one of the must-have books for the corporate executives. In fact, the initial reception was so successful that the author has released a similar book targeting at the public sector.
6 years have passed since the author talked about critical success strategies for new leaders at all levels, what you should do and tackle on the first 90 days in your new role. Like many I suppose (half a million English copies sold and translated to 26 languages), I have a high anticipation for “Your Next Move”. Perhaps because I have gone through a few major career transitions in the past, or perhaps I may be anticipating a new move (don’t we all?), “Your Next Move” is an engaging read. I find myself constantly reflecting on my past transitions as well as reflecting upon what some of my colleagues – my bosses included – have done right or wrong when they first stepped onto their new roles.
While it may take a C-level to fully benefit “Your Next Move” (i.e. CEO, COO, CFO, and etc.), executives in any form of leadership capacity should find the first 5 chapters (out of eight) useful. Namely, the followings:
- A promotion up the career ladder.
- A promotion amongst your peers and now, you are the boss.
- A move from the position of authority to the position of influence.
- Joining a new organization with a new corporate culture.
- Relocating to a new geographic location and faced with a new culture.
Unless you have freshly graduated from school, you should have experienced at least one of the above transitions. The author uses real life examples to kick start each chapter (masked by fictitious names of course) and present the unique challenges faced. Guidelines to overcome the challenges are then presented in concise points that come with graphs, tables, and supported tools. The materials are practical, down to earth. One tip off my head is for those who are posted overseas to put family matters as the first priority and perhaps to start a blog to continue having family and friends’ support (!). It is evident that they are a result of years of dialogue between the author and the leaders. In several occasions, the author brings in different analogies to illustrate his points. Such as the organizational resistance to change as compares to the immune system of our human body (that has its merit for being resistance to potentially bad changes). Or to apply engineer’s thermodynamics concept to an organization environment.
The last three chapters are more for those who are in the position to turnaround an organization in trouble and to realign an organization in dire need for change. To accomplish that, the author introduces the STARS model – start-up, turnaround, accelerated growth, realignment, and sustaining success. And for those who are in the field of human resource or organizational excellence, there is also a concluding chapter on the design of “companywide transition-acceleration systems”. A list of what company can do to help new leaders in transition.
As a final note, “Your Next Move” covers a wide range of topics on career transition that also includes organization politics, which I find valuable as it is not a topic that can be easily dealt with. Useful tools aside, it is certainly a good set of checklists and tips (or guidelines) based on the lessons learned of many. Some of which I wish I had a chance to read during my past career transitions.
Hardcover: 256 pages
Suggested Retail Price: S$43.50 (US$26.95)
Publisher: Harvard Business School Press (October 6, 2009)
ISBN-10: 1422147630
ISBN-13: 978-1422147634
You may wish to get this book from Amazon.com
14 replies on “Your Next Move by Michael Watkins – A Good Resource For Your Major Career Transitions”
sounds like a book i must pick up!!! so many books to read, so little time!! 🙁
G – You have 40 hours of learning a year, no? 🙂 Have you read the Kinsella book yet?
nooooo not yet! I specially made a trip to Borders last night (aching and hobbling from my wakeboarding session, no less) but it was sold out!
G – Wow, that book is so popular?! By the way, I have not been shoppin Borders for a long time. I prefer Kino. And you can also check the book stock of Kino using your Blackberry 🙂
wow issit?! oh no time to switch my loyalty card programme to kino’s!
i am frantically reading now so i can catch up on my other unread books. discipline is key!!! discipline!!!!!!!
What about moving from a low-lifer in a sucky job to a low-paid, almost free-of-charge job? What about moving backwards in a career? What about having no career?
Darkspore – Interestingly, I had a similar thought too. On career regression. However, I guess it is inspiring to read how high performers move up the career ladder. And how they go from a ground job, to functional and country management, and then to general management. I wish I have read a book like this earlier in my career life. I may make certain decisions differently.
wow… sounds interesting… haha.. looking at my current situation, i should read this book before the next move, whatever that gonna be! 😀
JT – Ha ha ha. Yes, I think this book is very applicable to everybody. Surprisingly there ain’t many books of this topic in the market.
Wow!!! Im sooo gonna try n pick up this book at the bookshop becoz its jus sounds sooooo good….:)
Luisa – Yes! Do check it out at your bookstore when you have time. Quite an easy read too 🙂
G – You are cracking me up! Ha ha ha.
Yes, discipline! Hard to eh?
Oh, you are most welcome to borrow my Kino card. All you need to do is just to meet me for lunch or something … hehehe.
hmm !! I don’t know how will it help but surely very optimistic about it (as it comes from you :P).
Deepak – Thanks for dropping by. I guess as you progress in your career and as you start to lead team – if you are not already doing so – this book helps to make your transition easier.