TLP276: The First 90 Days

Jason Randall is the author of Beyond The Superhero: Executive Leadership For The Rest Of Us. Jason lays the groundwork for what new leaders need to focus on in the first 90 days of their new role. He also shares how leaders, with impossible expectations, are able to meet the demands without losing their cape.   Jason was named CEO of Questco, a Houston-area HR outsourcing company known for its can-do spirit and award-winning customer service in 2018. Jason studied accounting at the University of Missouri-Columbia, became a CPA for an international firm, then left to start a small franchise business with a lifelong friend.   Key Takeaways [3:35] The superhero myth is this idea that you have to do all and be all in your executive position. [5:15] You need to go beyond the popular opinion of what leadership should be and dig deeper into what an effective leader actually is. [6:15] Leaders that face imposter syndrome have to be reminded that people backed you in the first place for a reason. [8:30] As new leaders, Jason outlines what they need to be thinking about during their first 90 days in office. [14:15] When Jason entered into a company culture people already loved, he knew he had to establish an emotional center as the new CEO. [16:20] Jason knew by entering into this ecosystem, there were going to be some key players that might have to be self-selected out.[19:20] Jason shares his thoughts on how to find good advisors in the company to get the real scoop a leader needs to know about the organization. [20:05] It’s natural for a leader to not get the truth from his or her people… at first. [22:05] To curb disdain from your staff on particular decisions you’re making as a leader, it’s sometimes helpful to showcase your thought process in all transparency. However, it is a gift and it might not work for everyone. [26:50] Jason is well aware that his initial plan is often wrong. That’s why he has the power of his team behind him, to help course correct. [29:15] Leaders are essential for establishing direction and the tone, but you must be aware of your ego in this process. If you think you’ve achieved what you’ve achieved alone, then you’re missing what leadership is about. [31:15] Jason shares a leadership lesson he’s learned over the years and how he’s navigated crises throughout his career. [35:05] The time to plan is not when you’re in a crisis, it’s when you’re at peace (relatively). [36:20] Listener challenge: What are some of the management challenges that you’ve overcome? Send them to Jason!   Quotable Quotes “That leader has achieved the notoriety, the fame, the success, and the lasting impact because of their reluctance to do it all themselves.” “You need to go beyond the popular opinion of what leadership should be and go deeper into what an effective leader actually is, and how they behave.” “Assumptions lead you astray. Early in the role, you have the benefit of being able to ask the naive question.” “As a new executive, you were selected for the role to make changes, to evaluate the sacred cows and determine which ones are worthy of worship, and which ones need to go along their way.”   Resources Mentioned Sponsored by: Connect with Jason: and Jason’s latest book: