Unspoken: A Guide to Cracking the Hidden Corporate Code

by Ella F. Washington

Two years ago, Dr. Ella F. Washington, organizational psychologist, Founder and CEO of DEI strategy consulting firm Ellavate Solutions, and Professor of Practice at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business, shared her vision for a fairer, healthier, more productive “workplace utopia” with business leaders looking to make positive change in The Necessary Making Real Progress on Equity and Inclusion. The book was a hit with the C-Suite, but left workers asking, What about me? How do I make sense of and navigate my workplace? How do I show up authentically when I’m the only person who looks like me? Do I even belong here? Now, Dr. Washington is back with A Guide to Cracking the Hidden Corporate Code, a practical guide for workers across the spectrum who want to succeed in the business world without sacrificing their authenticity. Unspoken is the book for every professional who’s asked these questions, battled imposter syndrome, or wondered how to expand their power and influence (and struggled with whether it’s okay to do so). In the book, Dr. Washington explains the unspoken rules that determine success in corporate settings, coaching readers in the tactics that will equip them to shape a successful career anchored in meaningful experiences. She shares practical strategies readers can use to own their story and their strengths, leverage their skills, and identify opportunities to excel and advance, along with stories from fellow professionals who have faced similar challenges and successfully navigated these spaces. Packed with fascinating research, helpful exercises, and real, practical advice, this book will help readers build their capacity to move forward more confidently, empowering them and equipping them with the tools and tactics they need to thrive at every level of their organization and build the careers and lives they want.

Genres: Nonfiction

303 pages, Hardcover

Published May 28, 2024

Reviews

[Cara Putman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Filled with practical and actionable advice for early career professionals. The strategies are beneficial for all but peel back the current with a particular view to those audiences. A book I will be recommending to many of my students and wish I’d had in those days of my career.

[Elizabeth Harrin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unspoken is a look into how organisations really work, and how you can excel in your role, particularly when you are not the same as everyone
else. I found it enlightening, and the stories shared highlight how we can own our careers and find the right place for us to excel while being authentic at work.
The author, and other contributors, share plenty of short examples. Each chapter finishes with guidance on next steps and reflection exercises so you can think critically about your personal goals and how you are going to build a career that feels right for you and that allows you to succeed.
The book talks about the power of mentoring and sharing experiences, as well as ensuring that personal excellence is part of your daily habits to ensure that you can evidence your success when asked or challenged.
This is a great book for those new to the workforce or those who are changing jobs, or individuals who feel like they don't fit in where they are and who want to be able to work as their authentic selves.

I received an eARC from Netgalley - thank you!

[Ivan M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unspoken is a book destined for business workers who haven´t found their place in the corporate world, and want to improve certain aspects of their game. Ella Washington shares personal experiences, as well as other people's to ensure her teachings reach a variety of cases and situations.

I'm new at my job, and my personal goal is to grow as fast as I can in my role. I consider Ella gave me tools and reshaped the way I was looking at myself inside the company.

Overall, it was a technical and informative read that covered many aspects, keeping it general but also really specific in the important areas. Not a bad start to this journey.

[AMAO]

May 30, 2024

[Maria Paula Castellanos Monroy · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible guide!

What could be better than having a guide created by an expert that gives you endless tools for work/corporate life making your life easier and guiding you to success? Absolutely nothing, this book is without a doubt a tool that you should not miss to have and read as soon as possible.

If you (like the vast majority) remember coming into the corporate world with pain because the shock was hard, if you currently still struggle with impostor syndrome or question how to advance your career successfully, do not hesitate to have this book because the author gives us a guide that defies all. It teaches you how to create a successful career so you can take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. The book has everything you can imagine, tips, experiences, examples, practical exercises... EVERYTHING.

I don't recommend you miss the opportunity to have this gem with you.

[Tipping Ellis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Dr Ella Washington for a most excellent how-to book. It is a tool, a reference book full of self help tests, and references to outside works that can help along your career path. Some of which we already intuit but need reminding of. I am retired, but I passed this book along to my daughter who will benefit from Dr Washington's knowledge.
I do have some questions about the DEI. This book provides statistics on how important DEI is and how well it works, but lately a lot of negative outcomes have come to light in the news. Dr Claudine Gay is one who comes to mind. Was she a DEI hire? Her dissertation plagiarism may have been minor, but there was so much of it, it followed her around. So maybe she was just sloppy. Where was her mentor? Her testimony before congress was a disaster. So I don't agree that she was held to a higher standard.

[Juliana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Power secrets

From a political lover like me, this magnificent book is a gripping immersion into the drama behind the smokescreen in America's political capital.
It's like peeking behind the curtain of a major theatrical production and discovering the confusing real-life struggles of all the characters. I personally loved how the author weaves a compelling narrative that combines scandal, ambition and outright betrayal into a book that is hard to put down and will leave you wanting to keep reading until the end.
I loved it; I really recommend it to anyone who is curious about the murky waters of power and the human stories of a reality that we see far away but which is latent.

[Alejandro Sureda · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the book "Unspoken: A Guide to Cracking the Hidden Corporate Code" Dr. Ella F. Washington helps us understand what the unspoken rules are to the corporate world that lead us to feel excluded in our work environments. The work is divided into three sections, the first is about self-discovering who you are in your personal and work environment, the second part is based on how you present yourself in the workplace and how to make the most of your experience there, and the third is how to advance your career by thinking outside the box.
In each chapter, highlighted ideas appear "Unspoken Rules", they are also accompanied by "Things to Remember". Stories are presented of people who have managed to overcome obstacles in their professional lives, offering practical examples of how to do so. These resources make it easier to read and understand the steps to follow as they provide tangible tools to apply in your work life. This book is recommended to any reader who wants to progress in their career even within a complex corporate landscape.

[✨ ੈ✩‧April ♡ ʚ♡⃛ɞ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you for the opportunity to read this book through the goodreads giveaways!
"Unspoken: A Guide to Cracking the Hidden Corporate Code" by Ella F. Washington provides valuable insights into the often unspoken rules and dynamics of corporate culture. Washington draws on her extensive experience to offer practical advice for navigating the complexities of the workplace.

The book covers a range of topics, from understanding office politics to building effective relationships with colleagues and superiors. Washington's writing is clear and accessible, making it easy for readers to follow her guidance and apply it to their own professional lives.

While the book offers useful information, some readers may find that it covers familiar ground or lacks depth in certain areas. However, for those new to corporate environments or seeking to improve their workplace navigation skills, "Unspoken" serves as a helpful introductory guide.

Overall, "Unspoken" is a solid resource for anyone looking to better understand and thrive within the hidden dynamics of corporate culture.

[Rissa Mineral · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very ambivalent about this book. She is clearly smart and perceptive (based on her writing and from hearing her give a webinar to a group I’m a part of) and she’s doing god’s work by writing so accessibility - it’s clear that it’s her mission to explain the book’s concepts to include people with no experience and a lot of baggage. However, if you are at all aware of perceptions, social cues, boundaries, cross-cultural communication skills: it drags. So slow. So repetitive. So corporately gentle. There are a few interesting insights, but I skimmed very quickly through most of it. Someone’s gotta do that work though - and I thought about sending the “Read the room” chapter to some annoying acquaintances of mine. Maybe then they’ll realize “leaning away and avoiding eye contact” is not an invitation to get in my face and talk louder? Again, she’s doing god’s work by explaining this.

If she ever writes or speaks with more edge, for less introductory audience levels – sign me up.

[Rocio · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a compelling read that encourages transforming the complexities of corporate environments. This book is a valuable resource not only for understanding the unwritten rules of success but also for enabling professionals to navigate these dynamics authentically.
By providing actionable advice on leveraging personal strengths, "Unspoken" empowers us to take control of our careers while maintaining our authenticity. It is an accessible and easy-to-understand read, making it an appealing choice for professionals at any stage of their career journey. It strikes a balance between insightful analysis and practical application, equipping us with the necessary tools to thrive in competitive corporate settings.
If you're looking to navigate corporate culture with confidence and authenticity, I highly recommend this book for its blend of knowledge and inspiration.

[Marina Lujan · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, I want to say that Unspoken has been a great investment. This book is crucial for professionals looking to improve their work lives and progress in their careers genuinely and effectively. Dr. Washington's book teaches, inspires, and empowers readers to reach their full potential.

Personally, this reading has been transformative. The tips presented allowed me to reflect on my own experiences and develop effective strategies to navigate challenging situations in my workplace. Finishing this book made me feel strong and clear-minded. I felt more confident in what I could do and learned better ways to stay true to myself while succeeding in my career. Thank you, Dr. Washington, for everything I learned.

[Celeste · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unspoken written by organisational psychologist and DEI expert Ella F. Washington, PhD, is an excellent read for anyone who is willing to understand the basic concepts involved in business management and corporate spaces not only at an institutional level but also at a personal, individual level. The book also helps people develop and thrive in life. It has helped me a lot to understand a space that at first felt very different and hard to fit in. I have learned about leadership, strategic thinking and building relationships.
This is a very well-written book. The author has put together her knowledge of the subject and her ability to explain complex notions in a very easy way to grasp and has come with a work that is useful and enjoyable to read at the same time.

[Caro Rey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read

This successful author has created a book that will not only give workers the tools they need to be successful, but will also motivate the reader to become a successful individual.
Dr. Washington has highlighted several important topics in her book such as owning your own story, the power of your strengths, reading the room, expanding networks of influence, lean in to growth and writing your own playbook.
The author's writing style is direct and simple. She offers examples and helpful tips for the reader to implement in their daily life. Anyone who reads this book will benefit from it and will learn something new. I highly recommend to anyone. It will equip the reader with tools and values for their professional life.

[Margarita Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting book.

''Unspoken'' is a well-crafted guide that focuses on working people. Dr. Ella Washington wrote this book to offer tools to make the workplace better for anyone who has been marginalized, especially if you feel it limits your ability to grow your career. One of the main goals that the author has in this book is to give you the skills and tools that you need to create a more equitable, and successful workplace.
This book speaks in a frank and open way about many of the obstacles that a person experiences daily in their work. You will see how useful this book is, and gives you a smart strategy to fight against inequality.

[Aneley Sánchez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Empowering.

It is a guide for workers who try to advance and improve in their job without losing your identity along the way. Ella F. Washington has written Unspoken to offer tools and a guide to create a more equitable, enjoyable and successful workplace. She communicates her ideas from a simple and sincere language which makes it a very accessible book.
The book addresses these issues from an empowering perspective. It offers and analyzes real life examples and for that reason it is simple to understand and put in practice. It is enjoyable and I think it can be useful for many working people who are seeking a different and better way in their professional life.

[Chico's Mom · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me understand why I was failing in my previous career in the corporate world, and the parts that made me enjoy my corporate life. By working on my strengths and not fixating on my weaknesses, I could have stayed longer in the job I loved the most. Seeking opportunities that align with my strengths would have made me stay in my media job, and my boss would have seen more I could do before quitting that job. The chapter exercises helped me understand the lesson and better understand myself. Finding a job you love means never working a day in your life ever again, which is reinforced in my head after reading this book.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This can be a must read for professionals seeking to learn how to navigate the business world successfully. I can see how the goal from the author is to give readers strategies to overcome every challenge that may appear in the workplace. She talks about imposter syndrome, a very common feeling nowadays.
I think what I enjoyed most about the book is how practical it feels; it has advice with real life stories and also very helpful exercises.
Overall, I think this book would be great to anyone looking to improve their career, to thrive and find their path while staying true to themselves; something very hard to do these days.

[Janier Moreno · Rating 5 out of 5]

This enriching book by Ella F. Washington is definitely a work full of information and strategies in different corporate environments. The author proposes situations very much in line with reality, with which I identified myself and managed to adapt them to my experience. Likewise, this is a book with a very explicit guide on how to perform as a professional. It is a work for all those who feel that they do not grow or who are unable to adapt to the different corporate environments that we professionals face every day. I consider that all the strategies exposed are a great help and that is why I recommend this book.

[Darya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Politics and unspoken rules are everywhere. You may not know about something and this doesn't mean that others don't know as well. Interesting enough those rules are existent in any corporate world and you can learn about them with time or through own experience. This book represents a good collection of unspoken rules that can save you time finding out about them and provide some good portion of wisdom to follow. The key points for me were about own authenticity, learning about general wisdom and writing own strategic playbook for growing, thriving and winning.

[Mia C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think "Unspoken" is an insightful read. The author addresses real issues like imposter syndrome and being the only one of your kind at work. Her strategies for owning your story and leveraging your strengths are empowering. The book is full of useful exercises and real-life examples and this makes it easy to relate to and apply in your own career. The characters and stories she includes make her advice more relatable and grounded. Overall, I think it's a helpful guide for anyone looking to succeed in their career while staying true to themselves.

[Santiago Flores · Rating 5 out of 5]

A valuable resource

The book resonates with authenticity, addressing challenges like imposter syndrome and the quest for belonging in professional settings. It's not just a guide; it's a toolkit filled with real-world examples and actionable exercises. Dr. Washington's approach, backed by research and personal stories, makes this book essential for professionals aiming to advance their careers while staying true to themselves. "Unspoken" is a must-read for those seeking to thrive and excel in today's competitive workplaces.

[Melissa Hernandez · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a great reminder that there are different ways of getting through work when the environment is so much different than home. I appreciate that the author points out how we navigate through work - code switching, building relationships, etc. People forget that everyone navigates work differently and we should be mindful of that. I think everyone should read this and can get something out of it!

[Jess Conley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway. I think it has a lot of great information in it. The only thing is, I think our world is changing so much, as is the job market, that these suggestions will go out of style. I imagine they'll come back. But I feel like in the next 30-40 years this book will be obsolete.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very practical and helpful business book, especially for those that are early in their career. It does focus specifically on advice for people who may not be the majority in the workforce - either due to race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or any other trait that might make someone feel that they can't bring their complete and authentic selves to work. Practical advice. Practical exercises. Worth the read.

I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Mackenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

great helpful book

Lots of helpful tips, you could maybe ask chat gpt and get a lot of this generic info but helpful all together to read in a few hours

[Dana Ellerby · Rating 4 out of 5]

9 to 5 blueprint to success

This book helps you change your attitude from a dreadful 9 to 5 job to a more tolerable way to successfully way to manage your career.