The CE of The Department of Internal Affairs, Brendan Boyle, was a recent guest at one of The Johnson Group’s Thursday afternoon talks. Brendan spoke about his experiences as a CE, changes in government, and offered some practical advice to new (and aspiring) public sector managers.

One of his recommendations for managers (of any level) was to pick up a copy of the book, The First 90 Days by Michael Watkins. This guide gives a framework and strategies for new managers to use when navigating the first 90 days in a new role. Brendan used this while transitioning into his role as CE—in fact, he began using the book as soon as he saw the position advertised.

From the blurb:

“Whether challenged with taking on a startup, turning a business around, or inheriting a high-performing unit, a new leader's success or failure is determined within the first 90 days on the job.

Concise and actionable, this is the survival guide no new leader should be without.

In this hands-on guide, Michael Watkins, a noted expert on leadership transitions, offers proven strategies for moving successfully into a new role at any point in one's career. The First 90 Days provides a framework for transition acceleration that will help leaders diagnose their situations, craft winning transition strategies, and take charge quickly...”

You can also listen to an interview with Michael Watkins as a podcast online.