The first 90 days as a Chief of Staff: Rocks, the Scorecard and the A+ problem

By Alice Huang, Chief of Staff and operator

A 90-day plan for a new Chief of Staff using EOS Rocks and the Scorecard, and a practical filter for the issue that matters most.

EOS runs on a “90-day world.” Rocks are the most important priorities to complete in the next 90 days. EOS sets three to seven for the leadership team, with fewer for individual employees. Each Rock is specific and measurable, with one owner and a due date. That is a handy frame for a new Chief of Staff, because your first 90 days need a short list too.

Source: EOS Worldwide, Rocks.

Month 1: listen, and get the numbers

• Meet every leader. Ask what is working, what is stuck and what they wish the founder knew.
• Learn the Scorecard, or build one. EOS says it tracks five to fifteen weekly numbers, each with one owner. If the company has none, drafting that list with the founder is a good first project. (EOS Scorecard)
• Find the issue that matters most. Ask the founder which problem deserves attention first, then write a short diagnosis and a proposed next step. This is a practical way to turn listening into useful work.

Month 2: pick your Rocks

Choose three to seven. Make each one specific, with one owner and a date. EOS says leadership team members typically have three to seven Rocks; individual employees outside that team have one to three. These should drive toward company Rocks. (Creating the Best Rocks)

Then join or start the weekly L10 cadence from Article 2.

Month 3: run the rhythm

Now you own the weekly cadence, the Issues List and the follow-ups. Hold a short review at day 90 and set the next quarter's Rocks.

One more idea from Founders

David Senra's official Walt Disney episode notes include an Edwin Land line: “Don't do anything that someone else can do.” For a new Chief of Staff, that is a useful filter. Do the work only you can do for the founder, and hand off or drop the rest. Source: Founders #346.

I like building playbooks, so if you want this one as a template, say hello.