How to make an impact in your first 100 days in a new job

When a new president or prime minister steps into office, the media often flock to report on their first 100 days in office. And with the appointment of a new British prime minister imminent, it looks like we’ll soon be scrutinising their transition into their new role.

This concept of the ‘first 100 days’ originates from US President Franklin D Roosevelt’s (FDR) swift and substantial actions in his first few months in office in 1933: the country was in the middle of the Great Depression and, to lift the country out of its financial crisis, FDR quickly pushed several major bills through Congress. The unprecedented speed and scope of these measures provided immediate relief for the country and continued to be a measure by which subsequent presidents are judged by. 

It has now expanded beyond politics to become a standard question within job interviews for managers everywhere, as well as a measure of success for your first few months in a role.

Creating a 100 day plan

A 100 day plan is a tool that can help give you confidence in the middle of that transition period, helping to structure your progress, highlight areas that you need to work on, identify a timeline for completing them – and move seamlessly into your new position.