The first few months on a new job can shape an employee’s long-term career trajectory, and leadership expert Dr. Lois Frankel says many young women underestimate just how important that period can be.
In the newly revised 2026 edition of her bestselling book, Nice Girls Don’t Get the Corner Office, Frankel argues that workplace success depends on more than education and technical ability. She says the first 90 days are often when managers begin evaluating new hires for leadership potential, communication skills and executive presence, even if those assessments are never formally discussed.
“Unfortunately, workplace success often depends on understanding dynamics nobody teaches you before you enter the real world,” Frankel said. “That reality can hit especially hard during the first 90 days.”
Originally published as a guide to the unconscious habits that can hold women back professionally, the updated edition expands its focus to address today’s workplace challenges, including artificial intelligence, hybrid work environments, corporate culture, gender equity and evolving expectations around leadership.
Frankel, an executive coach who has advised Fortune 500 executives for decades, outlines practical strategies designed to help women establish credibility early in their careers. Among her recommendations are listening actively during meetings, building professional relationships before they are needed, understanding how workplace decisions are made and asking questions confidently without apologizing.
She also encourages readers to identify behaviors she describes as “nice girl” habits, such as excessive apologizing, avoiding conflict or hesitating to advocate for themselves, which she argues can unintentionally undermine authority and career advancement.
The revised edition also examines issues affecting today’s workforce, including the rise of remote work, the impact of artificial intelligence on career development, changing diversity and inclusion initiatives and challenges faced by women from underrepresented backgrounds.
“Nice is necessary, but not sufficient,” Frankel said. “You have the power to take control of your career without being controlling, to speak your mind while still being respectful, and to chase your ambitions without fear or shame.”
Published by Balance, an imprint of Hachette Book Group, the third revised edition was released on March 3, 2026.
Career experts have long emphasized the importance of onboarding, networking and early performance in shaping professional success. Frankel’s latest update suggests those principles remain relevant while adapting them to a workplace increasingly influenced by technology, shifting corporate expectations and evolving leadership styles.
For recent graduates and professionals starting new roles, the book offers a roadmap for navigating the unwritten rules of the workplace while developing the confidence and visibility needed to build a successful long-term career.