Book Review: The Unspoken Rules by Gorick Ng

Read Time: 3 mins

The Unspoken Rules by Gorick Ng offers a practical guide for early-career professionals, particularly those who may be the first in their family to navigate corporate environments. This book is not about hard skills or technical know-how; instead, it focuses on the “soft skills” and unspoken expectations that are often key to career success. Ng draws from his personal experience and interviews with professionals to provide actionable advice on thriving in the workplace. Here’s an overview of the book’s key concepts and why it matters.

The Three Cs: Competence, Commitment, Compatibility

Ng structures The Unspoken Rules around three central pillars that can make or break a professional’s journey:

1. Competence: This is about proving you have the skills to perform well in your role. It’s not just about what you know, but also how you apply that knowledge.
2. Commitment: Showing you care about the work, the team, and the company. Being committed means going the extra mile when needed and consistently delivering quality work.
3. Compatibility: How well you fit into the company’s culture. Building relationships and being part of the team are crucial for long-term success.

These three factors influence how others perceive you, which can directly impact your career trajectory.

Mastering the Unspoken Rules

Ng’s central message is that many of the rules for career success are not explicitly taught. These unspoken rules can include how you communicate, how you manage relationships, and how you handle office politics. The book outlines specific strategies for navigating these dynamics:

• Communication: Knowing how to communicate in meetings, emails, and presentations is essential for projecting competence and professionalism.
• Managing Up: Building trust with your boss and keeping them informed is critical. It’s about ensuring they know your progress and can rely on your abilities.
• Proactivity: Taking initiative is a hallmark of a successful professional. Ng advises being proactive and seeking opportunities to solve problems before they are assigned to you.

Seeking and Receiving Feedback

Ng also stresses the importance of seeking feedback early in your career. Rather than seeing feedback as a critique, he encourages using it as a tool for growth. Learning to accept feedback and improve is essential for professional development.

Managing Expectations

In any role, managing expectations is critical. Ng provides practical advice on how to be clear about deadlines, priorities, and deliverables. Asking the right questions at the start of a project can ensure that you and your manager are on the same page about what success looks like.

Building Relationships

Relationships are a recurring theme throughout the book. Ng highlights that career success doesn’t happen in isolation—building strong relationships with colleagues, managers, and stakeholders across the organization can open doors and provide essential support.

Proactivity and Ownership

Taking ownership of your work and being proactive are central to Ng’s advice. Whether it’s leading projects, solving problems, or finding ways to add value, demonstrating initiative can set you apart from your peers.

Key Takeaways from The Unspoken Rules:

• Competence, commitment, and compatibility are critical for career advancement.
• Navigating the unspoken rules of the workplace is as important as doing your job well.
• Relationships and networking can significantly impact your visibility and career progression.
• Proactively seeking feedback and taking ownership of your work will help you grow professionally.
• Learning to manage office dynamics without compromising your authenticity is crucial for long-term success.

Conclusion

The Unspoken Rules by Gorick Ng is an insightful guide for anyone starting their career, especially those unfamiliar with corporate environments. The book offers more than just advice—it provides a framework for mastering the social dynamics of the workplace, making it a valuable resource for professionals looking to take control of their career growth.