No One Prepares You for Your First 90 Days as a Manager—But This 3x3x3 Framework Will
I’ll never forget the day I received the call that changed the trajectory of my career 4 years ago. I was standing in the kitchen, wearing flour-dusted hands, and decorating a Doc Mcstuffins themed birthday cake for my niece’s 5th birthday. i was caught up in my creative headspace with Doc McStuffins to brainstorm ideas for designing her to give my ‘not so little’ girl the best memory for her big day with family and friends. And then, a phone call pulled me back from the fairy tale into reality.
It was a call from a senior friend, he has had just referred me for a job that I had no idea would propel me into a space of leadership, growth, and transformation.
It was a call to be the Program Manager for one of the top training and development organizations in Nigeria. And just like that, I was about to step into the fast-paced world of managing programs, working with clients, and leading a team of passionate, brilliant individuals.
What they didn’t tell me (and what no one really prepares you for) was how overwhelming those first 90 days as a manager would be. Sure, I had the experience, but the sheer weight of responsibility, the endless decisions, and the constant balancing act between different priorities left me feeling lost at times. The first few weeks were filled with the uncertainty of trying to fit into a new role, meeting expectations, and building the confidence I needed to lead effectively.
But there was a framework that helped me find my footing during those crucial first 90 days—the 3x3x3 framework. It became my system to create real impact amidst the confusion and chaos of starting a new leadership role.
The Power of the 3x3x3 Framework
In those early days, I quickly learned that the key to success was not to try and do everything at once but to focus on three things that would make a difference. Here’s how the 3x3x3 framework unfolded for me and why it can help you too.
Three Goals: Focus and Intentionality
In my first 90 days, the temptation to set a long list of ambitious goals was ever-present. I wanted to change everything, to prove my worth. But what I soon realized was that focusing on three concrete, immediate goals would help me gain traction. For me, it meant understanding the key programs we were running, building relationships with stakeholders(Internal and external), and establishing clear communication channels with my team. These goals were simple, but they were achievable and measurable. They provided a foundation I could build upon.
When you’re leading a team for the first time, you’re likely to feel overwhelmed by the enormity of your responsibilities. But by narrowing your focus to just three goals, you avoid spreading yourself too thin. You give yourself the space to concentrate on what matters most, whether that’s improving a process, developing your team, or aligning the organization’s vision with your actions.
Three Months: A Sense of Urgency
The next part of the 3x3x3 framework that was critical to my success was the three-month timeframe. In my first few weeks as a program manager, I found myself juggling a multitude of tasks, attending meetings, dealing with urgent requests, reviewing reports and emails. Every department and team memeber was dragging for my attention, I didn’t have a clear sense of direction, i literally felt like escaping(but no mater how you run the demands would be patient enough to wait for your return). So i needed a way to measure progress and keep myself sane and productive, so I created a three-month timeline for my goals. This allowed me to break them down into manageable chunks and gave me an endpoint to work toward. It gave me something concrete to aim for.
Three months isn’t too long to lose focus, but it’s enough time to make tangible progress. It’s a sweet spot, just enough time to start seeing results, but not too long that it feels distant. For me, that first three-month period was pivotal in setting the tone for the rest of my tenure as a manager. It forced me to think strategically about what I wanted to achieve and kept me accountable to both myself and my team.
Three People: The Power of Support and Accountability
The third element of the 3x3x3 framework that really made a difference was involving others in my journey. I was fortunate enough to have colleagues, mentors, and peers who were willing to support me. I actively engaged with at least three people, two team members and a mentor who could hold me accountable and provide feedback on my progress.
Having these people in my corner was invaluable. They offered fresh perspectives, provided advice when I felt stuck, and celebrated my successes with me.I can still remember my mentor yelling out “enwongo you are droping the ball, whats happing you need to have a clear system and process for every thing you handle”. The accountability they brought into the equation made me feel responsible for my goals and actions, pushing me to stay committed even when things got tough.
As a manager, it’s easy to feel isolated in your decision-making, but having a group of trusted individuals to rely on helps you stay grounded and connected. Whether it’s your team, your manager, or a buddy from another department, involving others in your learning journey not only builds accountability but also promotes collaboration.
Making Your Own 3x3x3 Framework
The beauty of the 3x3x3 framework is that it’s simple, actionable, and adaptable to your unique circumstances. Whether you’re in your first 90 days or further along in your career, this framework can help you approach your professional development with clarity and intention.
Here’s how you can implement the 3x3x3 approach:
- Set Three Specific Goals: Think about what you need to focus on in your first 90 days. It could be mastering a new skill, building relationships with key stakeholders, or improving team performance. Limit your focus to three goals that are achievable and measurable within a short timeframe. Think SMART
- Work on These Goals Over the Next Three Months: Create a timeline with checkpoints. A three-month window is enough to make progress without feeling overwhelmed. Review your goals at regular intervals to see if they need tweaking.
- Enlist the Support of Three People: Find at least three people who can support you and hold you accountable. It could be your team, a mentor, a sibling or someone you trust to providea non biased feedback. Use their insights to shape your journey.
As managers, it’s not about having all the answers right away, it’s about being intentional with your growth, leveraging the support of others, and staying focused on a few key goals that drive long-term impact. If you’re about to step into a leadership role, I encourage you to try the 3x3x3 framework for yourself. Trust me, this simple approach will make all the difference.
And who knows? Maybe one day, as you look back on your first 90 days as a manager, you’ll find yourself baking a cake and reflecting on how you made it through with clarity, confidence, and a sense of purpose..