My First 100 Days at Work

I knew very well where I was going back after APLP Fall Semester. I had a position already prepared for me in the organization I had been working for almost 7 years. Yet this time was not a simple “going back” - my former colleagues were waiting for me to be their new “boss” who was expected to bring a change to their stagnant situation.

I was well aware and informed of all the problems we had faced for the past years, the challenges I had to tackle once I go back. But I was still not so clear about “how” part. I was having very interesting learning experiences in APLP, but it was not something I had expected earlier, that is, to gain some practical skills I could apply for my new work.

“The first 100 days are very important” – this is what Keith Coats told me during our individual consultation.  It had not occurred to me till he mentioned, although I surely heard about it before. I found it interesting that the period wholly coincides with that of APLP Spring Semester. Together with a few practical management tips Keith generously provided me then, my work plan for Spring Semester, my first 100 days at work, began to form the clearer shape in my brain. 

“The first 100 days” became my mantra: I started to mentally prepare myself to make a full commitment to carry out whatever necessary. I told myself repeatedly that I had to keep my focus during this period of time, probably more than ever; that my every single action would have a significant consequence to my team and myself, as this was the biggest responsibilities I accepted in my career life.

So, how it went? It had been VERY intensive; looking back, I feel like I had been running without taking breaths. Some of my plans went well, some worked even better, but some did not go as I expected. There were many ups and downs. But overall, I survived, and I think I made a good introduction to the organization. At this point, I believe that being aware of the significance of “the first 100 days” was actually the best preparations for me to face challenges as a new leader. For that reason, I am truly grateful for Keith.

I also think about the other thing I gained from my APLP experience – it was strengths and positive energies I had gained then that enabled me to keep my spirits high and share them with my team, even at the tough moments. I honestly don’t think I would have handled the situation better if I took my current position right after the previous one. I also wonder whether only knowledge and practical skills would have been enough for me to make it through.

When I landed in Hawai’i to attend the graduation ceremony in May, I realized how exhausted I was both mentally and physically. Luckily, the fresh air and sunshine in Hawai’i, and positive energies of fellow APLPers healed me, gave me strengths, and brought my focus back to move forward. The first 100 days was just an introduction to my “leadership in practice”. I know I still have a long way to go.