The First 100 Days Matter
Whether you are new to administration or simply new to a site
Teachers are often told that their first 100 days in the classroom are critical to a successful year. The same is true for administrators. In fact, many in the business world also recognize the importance of intentionally establishing a strong start. Whether you are an experienced administrator arriving at a new site or a “fresh” administrator beginning your first assignment, the first 100 days can set the tone for the year—or even years—to come.
As Catholic administrators, the tasks are many and the hours often seem few. You are pulled in many directions: managing daily routines, responding to spontaneous “fires,” and visioning for the future. Honestly, all of these responsibilities are important. However, having a systematic plan and intentional approach can help you establish priorities and respond effectively to each situation. The first 100 days are a time to become acquainted with your community and your role, to understand and appreciate what has already been established, and to honor those who have come before you. Most importantly, these days provide a sacred opportunity to deepen relationships through conversation and by being an active, visible presence within the community.
In one of my assignments, a board member handed me a seven-page laundry list of all the problems that needed to be addressed at the site, concluding with the line, “You just can’t get that toothpaste back in the tube.” Looking back now, it still makes me smile. As tempting as it was to begin checking off items on that list, I knew that was not part of my 100-day plan. While this document offered one person’s sincere perspective, it represented only a single voice within a much larger community I had yet to meet.
Instead, during my first two weeks, I made it a point to meet as many people as possible. Sometimes this meant informal visits—stopping by a desk or chatting briefly in the break room. Other times, it involved scheduling 20–30 minute conversations with faculty members to discuss what they loved about their ministry and what they hoped for in the coming year. Through these conversations, I learned their stories and removed the mystery of who I was as a leader. That time spent listening became foundational to establishing trust and building strong relationships with key members of the team. It reinforced for me that listening must come before leading—and that relationships should always come before reform.
Too often, administrators enter a new assignment with a clear idea of what needs to be done before fully understanding who—and what—came before them. Is there a founding religious charism that provides stabilizing values and long-standing traditions? Which programs have been successful, and why? What excites members of the community most? How does the institution fare within the surrounding neighborhood or parish? What are my specific responsibilities as defined by my direct supervisor? These are essential questions that can be easily overlooked amid the busyness of the early weeks.
Of course, administrators must be aware of the policies and procedures that guide the effective functioning of the institution. Notice the phrase must be aware—this does not mean that changes must take place simply because you have arrived. The first 100 days are a time to observe what is working and, more importantly, to understand why certain policies and procedures were created in the first place. This fact-finding mission should not be viewed as “down time,” but rather as valuable reconnaissance for future growth. It allows you to be fully present to the community without an immediate agenda for change. Unless a policy is grossly ineffective or poses danger to members, meaningful change can—and often should—wait until after the first 100 days.
I have always been told, “You have a whole year to be new.” That wisdom has served me well. If you are new to your site or new to Catholic parish or school administration, the professionals at Meitler are excited to accompany you through your first 100 days—helping you listen well, plan intentionally, and lead with confidence. We invite you to contact us to begin your own 100-day journey.
Contact Meitler anytime during your first year to help set up your personalized 100-day action plan!
