first 90 days - anchoring advice
This is a PDF document titled "first 90 days - anchoring advice.pdf" created in July 2025, containing a detailed advisory letter from Nishant to a new Head of School. The content provides structured guidance on priorities, principles, and strategies for the first 90 days in the leadership role, focusing on listening, trust-building, and signaling stability. It is a single-author advisory text rather than a conversation.
Questions this document answers
The first 90 days are a unique window to set tone, build trust, and gather insight, essential for establishing effective leadership and shaping what is possible.
It is to share recurring themes gathered during the listening tour with the community or board, maintaining transparency without prematurely prescribing solutions.
Clarifying the narrative helps identify who is thriving or surviving, enabling strategic development of team strengths and addressing gaps.
By meeting regularly, clarifying mutual expectations, communication norms, and decision flow to establish a strong governance partnership.
By attending drop-off, recess, events, walking halls, and sending handwritten notes to foster visible, caring leadership.