Chapter 7: The First 100 Days

The first 100 days as a chief executive officer (CEO) is often cited as one of the most important periods of their employment, one in which new leaders are often expected to ‘sink or swim’. As a result, there are a plethora of books, peer-reviewed research, and quasi-insider research aimed at supporting neophyte executives in their first senior role (e.g. Bolmeijer, 2007; Bradt et al., 2016; Ferkins, et al., 2018; Sarros & Sarros, 2007; Watkins, 2013). Typical themes explored within the various publications include the importance of how to manage yourself, impression management, communication techniques, ‘walking the floor’, how to secure ‘early wins’, time management, preparing for meetings, relationship building, etc.