Why Coaching in the First 90 Days Can Make or Break a Career Move

Congratulations — you’ve landed the shiny new job. You smashed the interviews, impressed the board, and your LinkedIn is still buzzing with “Congrats on the new role!” comments from people you haven’t spoken to in five years.

Now comes the hard bit: actually succeeding.

Because here’s the truth nobody tells you — the first 90 days in a senior role can make or break you. They’re not a gentle settling-in period; they’re an audition. Your team is watching you, your boss is watching you, and if you don’t get it right, you’ll spend months trying to recover.

I’ve seen incredible leaders lose credibility in those first three months because they didn’t have the right support. I’ve also seen people thrive — not because they were perfect, but because they had clarity, confidence, and a plan. That’s what coaching brings.

Why the First 90 Days Matter

Think of it like moving into a new house. The boxes are still unpacked, you don’t know which light switch does what, and the neighbours are giving you the side-eye. In a new role, the same thing happens — only the “neighbours” are your colleagues, and they’re wondering if you’re really the right fit for the street.

First impressions last. How you show up in the early weeks sets the tone for how people will perceive you long-term. Politics are invisible but powerful. Every business has them, and if you barge in like a bull in a china shop, you’ll break more than just the crockery. Quick wins build trust. People want to see impact, but they also want to feel heard. Balancing both is tricky — and critical.

The Common Traps

I’ve worked with leaders who fall into the same traps again and again:

Trying to change everything immediately. You might spot fifty things that need fixing, but charging in on day one makes you look reckless, not capable. Playing it too safe. The opposite extreme — hiding in the background, afraid to rock the boat. Spoiler: no one hires a leader to be invisible. Drowning in the detail. Yes, you want to understand how things work, but you’re not there to micro-manage.

How Coaching Helps

This is where coaching changes the game. And before you roll your eyes, no — it’s not about having someone pat you on the head and say “You’re doing great.” It’s about having a sounding board, a guide, and someone to help you spot the blind spots.

Politics 101. Coaching helps you decode the unspoken rules of the organisation before you walk into them face-first. Confidence check. Imposter syndrome is real, especially at senior level. Coaching helps you separate facts from the stories you tell yourself. Strategic focus. We work together to prioritise the right quick wins while keeping the long game in sight.

The 2.0 Way

At 2.0, we don’t just place leaders and disappear. Recruitment doesn’t end when the contract is signed. For us, success is when that leader is still in the chair a year later, respected, performing, and making an impact.

That’s why our Gold Recruiter package includes 90 days of coaching support. Because we know the first three months are where confidence is built, reputations are shaped, and long-term success is decided.

Final Thought

The first 90 days aren’t about being perfect. They’re about being smart, strategic, and supported. Coaching gives you that edge. Without it, you risk stumbling in the dark. With it, you step into your new role with clarity, confidence, and the kind of momentum that lasts.