Coach Me! Your Personal Board of Directors

36 Your First Hundred Days

Abdallah Aljurf

Abdallah Aljurf is the founder of ICF Saudi Arabia chapter, the author of the leadership development book 10 Lessons in 10 Years, an experienced corporate consultant who is passionate about leadership development and coaching, and a professional coach, trainer, and speaker.

Mr. Wiley Jones (not his real name) was having a sip of his hot double-shot espresso (not his real drink) when he smiled at me and said, “I am leaving my job to follow my passion” (not exactly what he said). “I want to move on with my career and get a leading position with an international consulting firm. Do you know how I can succeed and prove myself after I join this firm?”

I smiled back and said, “Probably, all what you are looking for is within you” (I said it in Arabic). “My job will be assisting you in discovering the hidden treasures of knowledge and experience within you. I could help you to define your meaning of success, find your way to succeed, and go on a journey with you in your first 100 days until you fly on your own and shine like a star.”

Two months later, I got a phone call from Wiley saying that he is going to join the firm next week and he does not know what to do. He was afraid to fail, send the wrong messages, or get dragged into operations from the first week.

I told him, “your 1st 100 days are the most important days in your new job, and I’ll be more than happy to help you as a coach to find your way to succeed with this new firm. These ...