Nest to Navigator: Goals and Milestones

The Nest to Navigator program outlines key goals and benchmarks across the first 90 days of employment to help you align with KSU’s mission and foster success within your team. Beginning with foundational expectations in your first two weeks, you’ll continue building operational skills, leadership readiness, and collaborative networks as you progress. Each milestone highlights actionable steps tailored to strengthen your managerial effectiveness and deepen your understanding of university priorities. Use this roadmap to confidently navigate your early days at KSU and establish a strong foundation for long-term professional growth.

The Nest to Navigator program will guide you through four key areas of growth:

  • Role of a KSU Manager
  • Operational Effectiveness
  • Leadership Readiness
  • Purposeful Collaboration

 

Nest to Navigator Flight Path

First Two Weeks  – Role of a KSU Manager

Align your work, lead with purpose.

  • Promote a consistent understanding of KSU’s mission, vision, values, policies, and strategic plan while effectively leading your team. 
  • Review KSU’s strategic plan – Taking Flight and discuss goals and strategic initiatives with your Senior Leader. 
  • Learn management policies and set clear team expectations. 
  • Submit, review, and approve OneUSG: Manager Self-Service transactions like a pro. 
  • Set up a Leadership Lift-Off guided team orientation session to introduce yourself, engage your team, and establish trust and understanding. 

First 30 Days – Operational Effectiveness

Manage resources, processes, and people. 

  • Build early-stage knowledge and skills needed to oversee operations, make sound decisions, and manage resources confidently at KSU. 
  • Organize tasks and team priorities effectively; set personal and team goals aligned with KSU’s strategic plan. 
  • Manage positions, roles, and pay: Understand how positions are structured, classified, and developed. 
  • Handle budgets and funds: Review your department’s budget, funding sources, allowable uses, and track expenditures effectively. 
  • Hire and onboard staff: Building your team is a manager's most important responsibility.  
  • Set up a team Goal Setting Workshop with HR.  
  • Set up your 30-day OD & HRBP consultation. 

First 60 Days – Leadership Readiness

Lead with confidence, manage with clarity. 

  • Clearly communicate, manage risk, and make effective operational decisions at KSU. 
  • Apply knowledge of KSU policies to support compliance and protect the university. 
  • Understand institutional risks relevant to your role as a manager. 
  • Practice conversations that keep your team aligned and compliant. 

First 90 Days – Purposeful Collaboration

Build connections, collaborate across campus. 

  • Develop strong relationships across KSU to collaborate effectively, support a positive work environment, and build your professional network. 
  • Establish connections across departments to collaborate effectively and foster a positive work environment. 
  • Explore KSU resources and discover key contacts to expand your network.