Fast-track your leadership journey by identifying quick wins that build credibility and momentum.
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New To Role executives have a lot to prove and little time to prove it
The initial period as a new executive is make-or-break. Quick wins don’t just prove you can deliver — they build trust, boost your credibility and set the stage for long-term impact.
Don’t wait to get started. Quick wins are an important part of any executive’s transition plan. A small set of quick wins can accelerate your success. Gartner research shows that time to success shrank to 6.7 months for executives using an informal transition plan, compared to 8.9 months for those with no plan.
Learn more about Gartner Executive FastStart™, which gives you full and immediate access to everything you need to make a real impact — right from the start.
Establish early wins to build momentum with your team, peers and stakeholders
The most effective quick wins don’t just solve problems; they build your team’s credibility and garner stakeholder support from influential leaders like the CEO and CFO.
Uncover your highest-value quick wins
Start by listening. Meet with key stakeholders to pinpoint urgent needs your team can tackle fast. Look for low-effort, high-impact projects that deliver tangible value that stakeholders can easily observe.
Once you’ve shortlisted a handful of these initiatives, narrow your list using four filters:
Business value. Does it tie directly to a financial outcome?
Team impact. Can your team rally behind it and share the win?
Relationship building. Will it help you connect with key stakeholders?
Cost and feasibility. Can it be executed using existing resources and capabilities?
Choose the highest-value quick wins to pursue, and create a prioritized list of challenges to tackle over the longer term.
Execute and learn from quick wins
Once you’ve identified your three highest-priority quick wins, share your vision, strategy and plans with your CEO and C-suite peers to gain any critical input. Then:
Designate. Make clear who’s responsible for each project. Seek to include stakeholders from your team and across the C-suite who you need on your side.
Collaborate. Check in regularly, offer support and keep everyone aligned –– without micromanaging.
Calibrate. Review progress, celebrate wins and pivot quickly if needed.
Quick wins give you a window into your team’s and stakeholders’ abilities and motivations. Apply what you learn to build a stronger, more effective leadership plan and stronger relationships with key stakeholders.
Communicate quick wins effectively
Don’t keep your wins quiet. Share the story early and often. Capture key insights at every stage. Document results, lessons learned and opportunities for improvement, drawing on observations, measurable outcomes and stakeholder feedback. Share these findings with your CEO, C-suite peers and team.
Highlight the most impactful wins, especially those that showcase your team’s strengths, reinforce your unique value and align with your long-term vision.
Celebrate both team and individual achievements, positioning your function as a strategic driver and giving credit where it’s due.
Validate your story with data. Spotlight how your quick wins delivered measurable gains, whether in ROI, cost savings or revenue growth.
Quick wins FAQs
What is a quick win?
A quick win is a low-effort, high-impact initiative that can be implemented rapidly for immediate benefits. Typical quick wins can be achieved within 30 to 90 days with limited resources, although some quick wins are more complex and may require a longer time frame. Quick wins are particularly important when starting a new executive role.
What are the benefits of quick wins for a new executive?
Quick wins increase trust and improve credibility for a New To Role executive because they prioritize key stakeholder needs and business goals. Delivering a quick win during the first 90 days demonstrates that the new executive has a solid understanding of team dynamics and builds the case for future investments.
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