Today’s Morning Buzz is brought to you by Ariana Adame, Assistant City Manager, Community Services for the City of West Sacramento, Calif. Connect with Ariana on LinkedIn.
What I’m reading: “The First 90 Days” by Michael D. Watkins
What I’m watching: “Black Bag” on Peacock
What I’m listening to: “Love and Happiness” by Al Green
As I round out my first 90 days in a new role, I’ve been reflecting on the lessons that have shaped this transition. Stepping into a leadership position always comes with both opportunities and challenges, and I’ve found it helpful to ground myself in the strategies outlined in “The First 90 Days: Proven Strategies for Getting Up to Speed Faster and Smarter” by Michael D. Watkins. I thought it might be useful to share some insights for anyone who is shifting roles, preparing for a transition, or just starting out in a new leadership position.
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Accelerate Your Learning
Watkins emphasizes that leaders must quickly diagnose their new environment: “Leaders are most vulnerable in their first few months because they lack detailed knowledge of the challenges they will face and what it will take to succeed.” In local government, this means going beyond the budget documents and council reports. Meet with front-line staff who know the day-to-day realities. Walk the neighborhoods, visit project sites, and listen to residents. These conversations will give you the context you can’t get from a briefing memo.
Your colleagues will also appreciate the face time. They want to get to know you just as much as you want to get to know them. Listen to their stories, especially from those who have been with the organization for a long time. You’ll gain valuable insight into the culture of the organization.
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Match Strategy to the Situation
No two local government agencies are alike. Watkins introduces the “STARS” model: Start-up, Turnaround, Accelerated Growth, Realignment, and Sustaining Success. Identifying which situation you’ve entered is essential. For example, taking over a department that has suffered years of vacancies requires a turnaround approach, which includes rebuilding morale, restoring trust, and stabilizing service delivery. On the other hand, stepping into a well-functioning team may call for sustaining success while strategically positioning the department for future growth.
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Secure Early Wins
Watkins advises: “Early wins build your credibility and create momentum.” In local government, credibility with your city council, staff, and community is currency. Choose visible projects where you can demonstrate responsiveness, whether it’s streamlining a permitting process, improving communication about road closures, or resolving a long-standing operational issue. These wins should be meaningful to both staff and the public, signaling that you are committed to making tangible improvements. Those around you need to see that you can deliver results.
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Build Relationships and Trust
Local government leadership is rooted in relationships with elected officials, employees, labor associations, community partners, and residents. Watkins writes, “Your success depends on your ability to build coalitions of support.” Dedicate time in your first 90 days to structured relationship-building. Hold listening sessions with your team, schedule one-on-ones with key stakeholders, and connect with neighborhood leaders and nonprofits. Trust, once earned, will become the foundation for navigating challenges ahead.
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Negotiate Success with Your Manager
In city government, your manager may be a city manager, county executive, or even the council itself. Watkins warns, “You have to figure out how you will be evaluated and align your actions accordingly.” Clarify expectations early. Are they looking for innovation, stability, or visible community engagement? Misalignment here can derail even the most capable leader. Having these candid conversations in your first weeks ensures your priorities reflect the organization’s direction.
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Strengthen Your Team
Your department’s ability to deliver is only as strong as the team behind it. Watkins highlights the importance of assessing and aligning your team early: “You need to decide who is on the bus, who is off the bus, and who is in the wrong seat.” In local government, this doesn’t mean rushing to restructure, but it does mean observing carefully. Who steps up when challenges arise? Where are the gaps in capacity? Invest in coaching and mentoring to set your team up for success.
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Create Alliances Across the Organization
Breaking down silos is critical in government, where projects cross multiple departments and jurisdictions. A transportation initiative will inevitably involve public works, planning, public safety, capital projects, and community engagement. Watkins reminds us that leaders must “create coalitions that cut across boundaries.” Use your first 90 days to establish yourself as a collaborator who values cross-departmental partnerships. This approach not only accelerates projects but also builds a culture of teamwork.
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Manage Yourself
Finally, Watkins cautions leaders not to lose sight of their own well-being: “The most successful leaders are those who master the art of self-management.” The demands of public service are constant and can include council meetings, community events, and crisis response, which all compete for your time. Establish habits early that sustain you: set boundaries, find mentors, stay connected, and make time for reflection. Your ability to serve others depends on your capacity to remain grounded and resilient. Lean on your circle of support not only to celebrate your success in a new role, but also to acknowledge that with change, uncertainty and challenge can arise. A trusted sounding board is priceless.
The first 90 days are about more than making a strong impression; they are about laying the groundwork for long-term impact. Watkins writes, “What you do in your early days will largely determine whether you succeed or fail.” In local government, that success translates into stronger communities, more equitable services, and trust in public institutions. Approach your transition with humility, curiosity, and courage, and you will not only survive your first 90 days, you will reap the benefits for years to come.