What questions to ask during 90-day check in?

Beyond the Formality: Making the Most of Your 90-Day Check-In

The 90-day check-in. It’s a crucial milestone in any new role, a chance to reflect on your initial journey and set the stage for continued success. But too often, these meetings become perfunctory reviews, ticking off boxes rather than fostering genuine growth. To maximize the value of this important conversation, move beyond the standard script and delve into meaningful questions that uncover both challenges and opportunities.

This article focuses on how to approach your 90-day check-in constructively, ensuring it’s a valuable experience for both you and your manager. Forget generic answers; instead, strive for thoughtful responses that demonstrate self-awareness and a proactive approach to improvement.

Instead of simply answering “What obstacles have you encountered?”, consider a more nuanced approach. Instead, frame your response around specific examples, quantifying the impact whenever possible. For example, instead of saying “I struggled with the new software,” try: “I encountered significant challenges adapting to the XYZ software. The steep learning curve resulted in a 20% reduction in my output during the first month, specifically impacting the completion of project A.” This level of detail allows your manager to understand the true scope of the problem and potential solutions.

Similarly, when addressing the question of additional resources or support, don’t just list general needs. Be specific and actionable. Instead of saying “I need more training,” consider: “To improve my efficiency with the XYZ software, I’d benefit from a personalized one-on-one training session with a senior team member proficient in the system. I’ve identified module X as a particular area of difficulty.” This demonstrates initiative and a clear understanding of your needs.

Finally, the question of team integration requires careful consideration. Go beyond surface-level answers. Instead of saying “The team is great,” think about specific interactions and relationships. Did you feel fully included in team discussions? Were there any communication barriers? Were there opportunities for collaboration you missed or wished you’d had more involvement in? Consider phrasing like: “While I’ve found the team to be welcoming, I’ve noticed a tendency towards informal communication channels that I haven’t fully integrated into yet. Perhaps a dedicated meeting focused on project updates could enhance my inclusion and contribute to smoother communication.”

By approaching your 90-day check-in with these strategies, you transform it from a formality into a strategic conversation. It becomes an opportunity to identify areas for improvement, request the support you need, and establish a clear path towards exceeding expectations. Remember, this isn’t just about your performance; it’s about your growth and your contributions to the team’s success. Prepare thoughtful answers, actively participate in the discussion, and make the most of this crucial milestone in your new role.

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