★★★★☆ (4/5)

This book is a practical guide focused on the transition into a new role, particularly leadership or management positions. It provides strategies and frameworks designed to help people succeed during the first months in a new job (a period that can often feel overwhelming).

I first read this book after it was recommended by my previous manager when I started a new job some years ago. Interestingly, he told me that the book had been recommended to him by his own manager before that. It felt like one of those pieces of advice that gets passed along because people genuinely find it useful.

For me, the recommendation came at exactly the right time. Starting a new position can be exciting but also challenging. There are new responsibilities, expectations, teams, and dynamics to understand, all while trying to prove yourself in a short period of time. This book offers practical insights into what to expect during those first ninety days and how to approach them in a thoughtful and strategic way.

Although the book is primarily written with managers and leadership roles in mind, many of the ideas can also be helpful for people entering other types of positions. It encourages readers to take the time to understand their new environment, build relationships with colleagues, and set realistic goals for the early stages of their role.

Compared to the kinds of books I usually read, this one is quite different. Most of the time, I read fiction, but from time to time, I enjoy reading something more practical, especially if it can help me in some way in my professional life. In that sense, The First 90 Days was a valuable and useful read.

Overall, this book served as a helpful guide during an important transition period. For anyone starting a new role, particularly in a leadership position or in a big company, it can offer useful perspectives on how to approach those first months with more clarity and confidence.