Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 1-5 of 126
 Good book aimed at managers and leaders, but various parts can also be applied to all new employees. October 22, 2009
Bond... James Bond (Denver, CO)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
This was a fairly good business book to read. My one main reason for removing one star is that it tends to focus too much on concepts without providing enough concrete real-world examples, anecdotes, and practical advice that I felt like I could take into the workplace. A book like this should help stimulate my "what-if" thought processes and make me want to try applying more actionable ideas to my own situation. Instead, it tends to iterate too much around conceptual notions of managing and leadership. But at various points in most of the chapters, I also found information that would be relevant to all employees who are either starting a new job at a new company or transitioning to a new position at their existing company. Regardless of whether you are starting a new work role as either a leader/manager or non-management employee, the first 90 days at a new job or position is often crucial in determining how you will fare further down the road.
 Reading This is Like Watching Paint Dry October 20, 2009
M. Bruner (Oklahoma!)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
My mama always says, "you never get a second chance to make a first impression". This is something that every new leader should keep in mind on their first days on the job. Watkins has a strong premise - recognize that the first 90 days in a new job are critical. You must fast track your learning curve, fit into the corporate structure, create a few coalitions, build a team, achieve alignment and negotiate success. Hmm, that stuff sounds really familiar - been there done that - in many other business/leadership books.
This book falls short by using every buzzword in the current system and failing to capture the full attention of the reader. Neither does it offer practical solutions to avoid the pitfalls of negative transitions. The majority of this information can be obtained by the companies Human Resources Director or good co-worker. Reading this book is like watching paint dry - if it's your weekend project the excitement may be there for the first wall but after that you might as well have someone else come in finish the job (just how I felt about reading this book).
 I can't get through it October 4, 2009
Georgia Mom (Dunwoody, GA United States)
1 out of 3 found this review helpful
This is a formulaic manual for what to do if you get a management type position. Basically, do this, then this, ect. It is extremely dry. I thought it might be of benefit to me even though I already have been in my job almost two years. Wrong. This is a book to read before you start a new management position. It is for corporate management settings, and maybe industrial management, but certainly not retail management. I thought it did have some very good suggestions about interviewing those around you, above, besides and below you, in order to make the greatest impact. In fact, after reading it, I am fairly certain my new boss read it because he pretty much followed the formula to a tee. For most people this book is not going to be relevant, but for the upper echelons of the corporate world, it is likely worthwhile for them to read.
 The perfect book for these economic times... September 26, 2009
Chitown Reader (Chicago, IL)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
With many americans starting new jobs (if they are lucky enough to find one), this is the perfect resource to prepare yourself to start that new job successfully and create a foundation for future growth.
The book is aimed at higher-level positions, but the skills apply to any person who would be in a leadership or managerial role.
The book is a relatively quick read and excellent resource.
 Good, but a dime a dozen September 24, 2009
Jodi (Arkansas)
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
I appreciate what Michael Watkins has done here. He's written something that's pretty informative and insightful. However, I'm not sure if what he's really presented is anything truly original or truly relevant to any company's CEO. Each CEO has his or her unique style and the reaction presented by his workers will be a unique reaction as well. If you're an up-and-coming CEO, go ahead and buy it, but whether this is a unique product should really be left to the reader.
Showing reviews 1-5 of 126
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