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The First 90 Days Plan for Change Managers | UAE & KSA Success
In the fast-paced, ambitious business landscapes of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia (KSA), launching a new initiative—whether it’s a digital transformation, a market expansion, or an operational overhaul—is a high-stakes endeavor. The initial 90-day period is not merely a probationary phase; it is the critical foundation upon which long-term success is built. For a change manager, this quarter is a strategic sprint to secure buy-in, diagnose realities, and build unstoppable momentum.
This article provides a proven, actionable 90-day plan tailored for change leaders in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), helping you navigate cultural nuances, regulatory environments, and high expectations to ensure your new initiative delivers tangible value from day one.
Phase 1: Days 1-30 – Foundation & Diagnosis (The “Listen & Learn” Phase)
The first month is dedicated to understanding, not acting. Your primary goal is to diagnose the organizational landscape with precision.
Weeks 1-2: Secure Early Wins & Map the Terrain
- Action: Before diving into processes, focus on people. Schedule introductory meetings with key stakeholders, from C-suite sponsors (who often expect rapid visibility in KSA and UAE) to department heads and influential team members.
- GCC-Specific Tip: Build genuine relationships (known as “wasta” or influence networks). Understand the hierarchical decision-making culture. A formal, respectful approach coupled with personal rapport is key.
- Deliverable: Create a Stakeholder Influence Map. Identify allies, potential resistors, and those who control resources.
Weeks 3-4: Diagnose the Situation & Define “Success”
- Action: Conduct a structured assessment. Analyze previous initiatives. Why did they succeed or fail? Review current processes, pain points, and the precise business need your initiative addresses.
- Key Question: Is the organization technically, culturally, and politically ready for this change? (Consider the rapid adoption of Vision 2030 projects in KSA or Dubai’s Paperless Strategy).
- Deliverable: A Situation Diagnosis Report and a draft Statement of Benefits aligned with national agendas like economic diversification or digital innovation.
Phase 2: Days 31-60 – Strategy & Coalition Building (The “Plan & Align” Phase)
With insights in hand, shift to designing the blueprint and assembling your coalition.
Weeks 5-6: Design the Strategic Plan
- Action: Translate diagnosis into a detailed 90-day roadmap and a high-level plan for the first year. Define clear milestones, KPIs, and resource requirements. In the UAE & KSA, initiatives must often demonstrate quick, measurable progress.
- GCC-Specific Tip: Ensure your plan respects local regulatory frameworks (e.g., UAE’s Data Protection Law, KSA’s NIDLP). Incorporate flexibility to adapt to the dynamic business environment.
- Deliverable: A Crisp Change Management & Project Plan approved by your primary sponsor.
Weeks 7-8: Build Your Guiding Coalition & Communicate Vision
- Action: Formalize your change network. Establish a “Change Champions” group with representatives from across the organization. These individuals will be crucial for grassroots buy-in.
- Action: Craft and launch your core change narrative. Why is this change necessary now? How does it benefit the company, the team, and align with national vision? Communicate repeatedly across multiple channels.
- Deliverable: A Guiding Coalition Charter and the first wave of formal Change Communications.
Phase 3: Days 61-90 – Momentum & Implementation (The “Act & Accelerate” Phase)
This is where plans meet reality. Focus on executing early priorities and cementing new behaviors.
Weeks 9-10: Execute Prioritized Actions & Empower Teams
- Action: Launch the first, manageable wave of the initiative. Choose activities that are visible, achievable, and will generate positive feedback. This builds credibility and morale.
- Action: Conduct targeted training and enablement sessions. Empower your Change Champions to support their peers.
- Deliverable: Completion of 1-2 Key Milestones and a trained, empowered frontline team.
Weeks 11-13: Consolidate Gains & Refine Strategy
- Action: Publicly celebrate the early wins. Recognize contributors. Use this success to address harder changes that may follow.
- Action: Gather structured feedback. What’s working? What are the obstacles? Use this data to refine your approach for the next quarter.
- Deliverable: A Lessons Learned Review and an Updated 6-Month Roadmap.
Navigating the Cultural & Business Context of UAE & KSA
A generic plan will falter. Success requires local intelligence:
- Relationship-First: Trust precedes business. Invest time in face-to-face meetings.
- Respect for Hierarchy: Secure and maintain support from top leadership. Their visible endorsement is crucial.
- Pace of Change: Be prepared for both rapid decision-making and periods of deliberation. Patience and persistence must balance urgency.
- Diverse Workforce: Tailor communications and training for multicultural, multilingual teams common in the GCC.
Conclusion: From Launchpad to Sustainable Change
The first 90 days are your launchpad. By diligently following a phased approach—Diagnose, Design, and Drive—you transform from a new manager into a trusted leader. You move the initiative from a concept on a slide to a living, evolving part of the organization’s fabric.
In the ambitious markets of the UAE and KSA, where transformation is constant, a disciplined 90-day launch is your strongest competitive advantage. It builds the credibility, alignment, and momentum needed not just to start strong, but to finish successfully. Contact us today.