30-60-90 Day Plan
30-60-90 Day Plans for Seamless Onboarding and Growth
The initial days at a new job can be both exciting and overwhelming for new employees. The huge volume of information to take up, coupled with the need to quickly integrate into the team and comprehend job responsibilities, can create a challenging environment. In response to this, many organizations employ a strategic tool known as the 30-60-90 day plan, designed to streamline the onboarding process and facilitate a seamless transition for new team members.
What is a 30-60-90 Day Plan?
A 30-60-90 day plan is a well-thought-out document that outlines the goals and milestones a new employee is expected to achieve during the first three months of their employment. Whether created by the employee themselves or the hiring manager, this plan acts as a roadmap, breaking down objectives into manageable 30-day increments. The primary objective is to accelerate the integration of new hires into their roles, ensuring they become productive team members within a short timeframe. This plan is crucial for the overall success of the company and the individual employee's growth.
The Phases of a 30-60-90 Day Plan:
1. 1-30 days:
This initial phase focuses on immersive training, covering essential elements such as company policies, comprehensive product knowledge, an in-depth understanding of team structure, and the intricacies of the assigned job responsibilities.
2. 31-60 days:
The second month marks a transition where the new hire applies the acquired knowledge by actively engaging in new tasks. This period encourages a continuous learning curve, acknowledging that mistakes are inevitable and integral to the learning process.
3. 61-90 days:
The third month represents a pivotal stage where the new employee starts mastering the specific skills essential for their role. It involves meeting and exceeding job expectations, culminating in the achievement of long-term performance goals.
Benefits of a 30-60-90 Day Plan
- Clear Goal Setting: Establishing tangible goals and expectations for the initial three months provides a roadmap for success.
- Gradual Onboarding: The spaced-out structure of the plan ensures that new hires are not overwhelmed, allowing them to absorb information and skills progressively.
- Resourceful Preparation: Providing essential knowledge, resources, and skills ensures that new team members are well-equipped to navigate their new role successfully.
- Cultural Alignment: Communicating core company values fosters a sense of belonging and trust, contributing to a positive workplace culture.
- Continuous Improvement: Regular feedback mechanisms embedded in the plan facilitate ongoing improvement and alignment with organizational objectives.
Crafting a 30-60-90 Day Plan
- Ask Questions: Initiate the plan by asking pertinent questions about the new hire's role, the organization's expectations, and the dynamics of the team. These questions shape the overall structure of the plan.
- Set Realistic Expectations: Avoid overwhelming new hires by setting a realistic workload, especially in the initial 30 days. A gradual approach accommodates the learning curve and ensures smoother assimilation.
- Create SMART Goals: Develop Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Time-bound goals tailored to the individual's role. SMART goals provide clarity and a sense of achievement.
- Assign a Mentor: Designate a mentor within the organization to provide guidance and support during the initial weeks. A mentor aids in team integration, clarifying norms, and offering valuable insights.
- Regular Check-Ins: Stay flexible and conduct regular check-ins to adapt the plan as needed. Acknowledge that the plan is a dynamic guide, not a rigid schedule, and be open to adjustments based on the new hire's pace and unexpected demands.
When to Make a 30-60-90 Day Plan
Creating a 30-60-90 day plan is a strategic move that extends beyond just the onboarding of new hires. Here are key instances when organizations should consider developing and implementing a 30-60-90 day plan:
- New Employee Onboarding: The most common scenario is when onboarding a new employee. This plan serves as a structured guide to help them transition from being a new hire to a valuable team member efficiently.
- Rolling Out New Initiatives: When organizations introduce new initiatives or projects, a 30-60-90 day plan can be instrumental in helping existing employees understand the goals and providing a clear path to achieving them. This ensures a smooth adoption of new strategies.
- Interview Preparation: Prospective employees can also leverage the power of a 30-60-90 day plan when preparing for interviews. By presenting a well-thought-out plan, candidates demonstrate their seriousness, commitment, and proactive approach to making an impact from the very beginning.
In the context of new employee onboarding, the 30-60-90 day plan serves as a valuable tool to expedite the transition, but its applicability extends to various organizational scenarios where clear goal-setting and strategic planning are crucial for success.
Real-Life Examples:
Example 1 - Financial Sector:
- 1–30 days: Complete onboarding training, review investment products, and obtain licensing.
- 31–60 days: Make sales calls, develop product lists, and achieve sales targets.
- 61–90 days: Consistently make outbound calls, hold sales appointments, and generate sales. Resources include exam prep books and product guides.
Example 2 - General Onboarding:
- 1–30 days: Learn the company's mission, understand organizational structure, and grasp job responsibilities.
- 31–60 days: Integrate into company culture, know team members, and understand the project roadmap.
- 61–90 days: Set short-term objectives, conduct a performance review, and align with long-term goals. Resources include the company handbook, team directory, and job description.
30-60-90 Day Plan Template:
Feel free to use the following template as a starting point for crafting your personalized 30-60-90 day plan.
Conclusion
A well-constructed 30-60-90 day plan is not just a document; it's a dynamic blueprint that aligns new hires with organizational goals, facilitates efficient onboarding, and fosters a culture of continuous improvement. As organizations navigate the complexities of a dynamic workforce and ever-evolving business landscapes, the 30-60-90 day plan emerges as an indispensable tool for building resilient, engaged, and successful teams. Whether it's welcoming a new team member, implementing new initiatives, or preparing for interviews, the strategic deployment of a 30-60-90 day plan demonstrates a commitment to structured growth, employee development, and the overall success of the organization.
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