The Unspoken Truths for Career Success: Navigating Pay, Promotions, and Power at Work

by Tessa White

"A terrific read for the new generations rising in the workforce—and for their leaders." — Stephen M. R. Covey, The New York Times and #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The Speed of Trust and Trust & Inspire

STOP SPINNING YOUR WHEELS AND TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR CAREER FUTURE TODAY.

Building a successful career in the world of remote work, hybrid schedules, and a lack of work/life balance is not easy. In fact it’s difficult and often seems impossible. But, it doesn’t have to be that way. By confronting the lies we are told about building a career, this book will bring you one step closer to the epiphany that will change your life.

This workplace manual lays out the truth behind the lies that are fueling the most common career frustrations, including:



The truth about pay. Hard work doesn’t always lead to more money. Learn how to leverage your position to maximize your salary.

The truth about promotions. If you want to be considered for a better job title with better pay, you need to be better than your job description. Understand how to build the skills you need to be considered for a promotion.

The truth about loyalty. Companies are not designed to return the loyalty you give them. Stop waiting for the praise you’ve earned and start focusing on your future.

The truth about burnout. Work/life balance doesn’t have to mean taking a step back. Learn to work with your brain and not against it.

The truth about office politics and power. You may hate office politics, but they are in every company in every industry. Learn to use the political landscape of your workplace to your advantage.  
  

Master these unspoken truths for greater recognition, increased opportunities for pay and promotions, and to provide a path to greater influence and power. The truth can indeed set you free.

 

Genres: Business, Nonfiction, Self Help, Personal Development, Professional Development, Leadership, Psychology

240 pages, Paperback

Published February 28, 2023

About the author

There is more than one author with this name

Tessa White, the Job Doctor
Tessa White is known as The Job Doctor on social media and has amassed over 1,000,000 followers who seek her advice on career navigation strategies.

She is a former Fortune 50 executive, and 25-year human capital expert in building people strategies for fast growth companies with a millennial mindset.

She was recently named in USA Today as one of the top entrepreneurs to be inspired by in 2022.

Reviews

[Rachel Cottam · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you asked me for advice to transitioning moms or folks who want to grow in their careers, I’d point you to this book. Tessa articulates so well many of the lessons I’ve had to learn the hard way.

A few gems:
* Asking for a raise just because you haven’t gotten one for a while will always lead to a no. Set it up against business strategies and outcomes. (Time saved, money earned/saved, project efficiencies) It’s not why you want it, it’s why the company benefits.
* Best advice for jrs, understand the principle of ROI and how it is related to your company and role.
* You can talk about anything with anyone if you create enough safety and use facts, not emotion to lead the conversation.
* “When employees speak up, companies win.”
* Feedback is a watered down version of how people perceive you.
* If you’re trying to be successful by matching your job description, you’re already behind.
* Don’t make the mistake of thinking it’s the wrong job because it’s hard.
* The biggest difference between entry-level to senior IC is the shift from permission to ownership.
* CEOs, you were rewarded for being independent, fast to act, well now, you need to listen before moving forward.
* What made you a top performer can be your undoing in the next company.
* “Work-life balance is your job not your managers.”

[Vicky Ulinici · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!
Tessa explains so well how the corporate world operates, all the insides, and how you can get ahead without being against the "system".
Perfect for those who want to level up their careers,but also everyone who wants to get a better understanding on why and how things are handled on the C-level.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

A strange but real review on how things work how to navigate politics and how and what businesses value. A really good book for any trying to understand why they work so hard but don't feel rewarded. Or those struggling with work or their careers.

[willowbiblio · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Whether you are willing to give more to get more it’s up to you. Regardless of where you fall on the spectrum, not advocating for yourself will extract the biggest cost to your career.”
—————————-
I’ll say with full transparency that I approached this book thinking it would be another book that repeated the same few tired old lines of self-help jargon without actually helping. This was on the complete other end of that spectrum.

White gave extremely clear and practical suggestions and actions for people at all levels to use. She broke down the corporate culture into its simplest parts, and helped to take the emotion out of topics that are often quite charged: pay, promotions, and culture.

I loved how useful the take home “assignments” were and actually implemented some myself. I appreciated her focus on driving career conversations based on impact rather than desire/deserving as, to her point, impact is what ultimately matters to an organization. I asked some of the questions suggested for career development to my manager and got excellent actionable answers.

This is a very useful book that I will plan to revisit, as I am working on my own career trajectory. I was really impressed with the intuitive structure of the chapters and content contained within. A truly pleasant surprise!

[Constantin Ursu · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is for anyone climbing the career ladder in corporate America, not much in it for anyone else.

[Kristen Hammergren Partridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Unspoken Truths for Career Success by Tessa White is a practical, no-nonsense guide to navigating the modern workplace. Drawing from her years of experience as a corporate coach and "The Job Doctor," White shares the hidden rules and often unspoken dynamics that shape career growth. From building influence and understanding workplace politics to handling setbacks and negotiating for yourself, this book offers real-world advice to help professionals at any stage of their career move forward with confidence, resilience, and clarity.

Wow—this book is truly a must-read. Working through it, I gained so much: confidence, self-awareness, and a sense of humility. At times I felt like I was soaring with new insights, and other times I was forced to confront hard truths about how I operate and identify at work. Tessa White doesn’t shy away from tackling the real, often uncomfortable issues that arise in the workplace. This book felt like a personal playbook—one that every professional should have in their corner. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to grow, reflect, and take real control of their career path.

[Pelin Tekneci · Rating 4 out of 5]

Self-development books are not my cup of tea. My assessment of this book is relative to others I've read in this genre.
The book offers helpful tips for those in their early careers and for those who are unhappy with their current positions but don't exactly understand the underlying reasons. It's beneficial for individuals who want to make a change at their current workplace or switch to a new one but are not clear on where to start or how to organize.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so good it shouldn’t be read, it should be studied. It concisely covers key topics with relatable scenarios, root cause explanations, and provides solutions that are critical to course correcting your future. It caused me to reflect with profound perspective on the past 25 years of professional experience - the things I did right, the things I did wrong, and everything in between.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.8⭐️ - a nice lil NF on career growth; “the conversations you are avoiding are the exact conversations that can give you back a sense of control at work”

[Lexie Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listened to on audio and really enjoyed. Each chapter was broken down into different areas and each one had takeaways I want to implement as I think about my career, communication, management, goals and balance. Similar to Atomic Habits I’ll plan to reread/listen to this each year it was so good.

[Can Kınay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first non fiction book that put me into tears. Not the whole book but the personal story of the author at the end.

[Yuki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some takeaways:

Following your job description will not take you anywhere. Find gaps (in processes etc).

Assume good intent. Good conflict can be fostered by using language that assumes good intent. (I always tend to assume the worst so this is a good reminder, if anything they’ll check themselves.)

Defuse situations w the following:
- “Is that what you intended?”
- “Do you see it differently?”
- “Is there something I’m missing here that would help me understand?”

Conflict resolution using the GAP model (what was expected vs observed? -> ID consequences -> “hand-off” using the three phrases above -> problem solving (who does what by when))

Need to fit company politics in terms of speed, risk, autonomy, innovation, and line of sight. Even if you are a high performer you may be perceived differently if you are unable to match the values outlined by company politics.

It is your job to maintain boundaries for a work-life balance. Remedy by communicating these boundaries and prioritizing critical tasks that are visible to management.

If you decide to quit your job, expect to give an extra 20% over the next year. Consider whether it is better to give up to another 20% to make your current job a better fit instead.

When evaluating new jobs, measure how you fit their work values in terms of growth/learning, flexibility, risk, autonomy and connection.

Some insightful questions to ask on 1:1s (with manager, manager of another department, neutral party, close coworker):
- What advice do you have about how to succeed here and what has worked for you?
- How do you think others perceive me?
- What is the one thing you think would make the biggest positive difference for my success here?
- What is your understanding of what I do here?

This book would be helpful to revisit different career stages as it covers the 5 stages all the way up to C-suite

[Ann Venkat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent read for folks who want to accelerate their career without being Machiavellian about it. Some parts feel similar to the Gutsy Girl Handbook and How Women Rise, but those books were specific to women in the workplace. This book is targeted towards anyone working for a corporation who feels frustrated why meritocracy is not rewarded or why "executives" are out of touch with employees. Loved the tips customized to various stages of career.

[J Kromrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC.

In the cacophony of career advice books, "The Unspoken Truths for Career Success" stands out like a beacon in a foggy harbor. Tessa White, with her no-nonsense prose and laser-focused insights, delivers a refreshing take on navigating the treacherous waters of professional life.

White dismantles the myths that have ensnared countless ambitious souls. She boldly declares that hard work doesn't always translate to a fatter paycheck. Instead, she unveils the secret sauce: leveraging your position to maximize your salary. It's not about burning the midnight oil; it's about strategic moves that yield tangible results.

Promotions aren't handed out like candy at a parade. White's pragmatic advice? Be better than your job description. If you want that corner office, you need to outshine your current role. She dissects the anatomy of promotions, revealing the hidden ingredients that propel you up the ladder.

Companies don't reciprocate loyalty with equal fervor. White urges us to stop waiting for the gold star we've earned. Instead, focus on your future. It's a wake-up call for those who've been slogging away, expecting a ticker-tape parade. Spoiler alert: it ain't happening.

Work/life balance isn't a mythical unicorn. White advocates for working smarter, not harder. She delves into the science of productivity, teaching us to dance with our brains rather than against them. Burnout? Not on her watch.

Office politics—the murky swamp where alliances are forged and daggers sharpened. White doesn't shy away from this reality. Instead, she arms us with knowledge. Master the unspoken rules, and you'll wield influence like a seasoned diplomat.

Reading "The Unspoken Truths for Career Success"feels like that moment when the fog lifts, and you glimpse the distant shore. White's insights are practical, actionable, and delivered with a dash of wit. Whether you're a fresh-faced intern or a seasoned executive, this book is your compass.

Tessa White's book is a must-read for anyone navigating the labyrinth of corporate life. It's not just about climbing the ladder; it's about doing so with purpose, savvy, and a touch of rebellion. So grab your highlighter, sip your coffee, and let White's wisdom guide you toward career nirvana.

[T Leaves · Rating 1 out of 5]

If the scene from My Big Fat Greek Wedding, where the mother character says “The man is the head of the house but the woman is the neck” made you feel physically ill…like me, this entire book will make you feel nauseous. The condescending, aggressive, regressive and codependent tone of this Career Advice book is going to be completely unpalatable to any women listening with a shred of self respect.

This absolutely a DNF for me. I can distill the entire 6 hours of repetitive, degrading scolding down to two sentences. Unless you have a degradation kink and like hearing older women insult you, then I recommend the audiobook as fetish content.

The point is : any fault your boss has is your responsibility and you will be successful in work if you think like a codependent boomer wife, who is used to thinking for and emotionally regulating her husband while still catering obsessively to his unstated needs.

Do all the thinking and planning for your boss, the way a codependent older woman plans Christmas annually , including effectively buying her own Christmas present on her husband’s behalf.

[Jacqueline M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those books that I genuinely wish I could send back in time to my younger self. If you work in corporate America, or are navigating any professional environment, much of the essential, hard-won knowledge that usually takes years of painful trial and error to acquire is laid out here in black and white.

The advice is incredibly practical, not just motivational fluff. The helpful scripts and talking points provided for difficult workplace conversations are a game-changer. I immediately wrote several of them into my bullet journal, and I've already used a few in real-world scenarios at work (with successful outcomes!) This book provides the vital, tactical advice you need to handle things like negotiation, managing difficult bosses, and advocating for yourself. The "homework" at the end of the chapter is also super helpful and allows you to apply the information you just read to your actual issues and goals at work.

It truly feels like a cheat sheet for the corporate world. Highly, highly recommended for anyone looking to shortcut their learning curve and master the crucial, often uncomfortable, parts of career advancement.

[MJ Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're seeking guidance on how to continuously grow and thrive in your career, this is the book for you! From start to finish, I found myself nodding in agreement with the invaluable insights shared by the author.

When I started a new job, I quickly realized that I was playing checkers while everyone around me was playing chess. I was unaware of the rules for success and growth in my role, mistakenly believing that working overtime and keeping my head down would suffice. However, observing my manager's dissatisfaction despite following the same approach was eye-opening. Thankfully, I discovered Tessa White's book, which transformed my perspective.

I learned that hard work is indeed essential but must be paired with strategic thinking to progress in your career. This book taught me how to gain leverage when negotiating a raise and use office politics effectively.

Investing in this book is undoubtedly worthwhile, as its wisdom will prove useful throughout your career. It has become my go-to gift for all new graduates!

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I appreciate the author's willingness to be real, even if it means telling readers things we may not always like. Also, this is the first personal/professional development book I've read in a long time that didn't feel like the content of an article repeated five different ways to make it long enough to be a book — every chapter had novel information. It's true that not every piece of this book will be relevant to every reader, but I'm convinced there's something of value here for almost everyone. For me, the most helpful parts were the discussion of what's important at each level/stage of career development (this was insightful as I think about how to manage junior colleagues, understand my manager, and continue to grow through the stages myself) and the coaching on how to think about and advocate for things you want at work.

[Letitia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been focusing on reading books about professional development this year, and while most of the books I have read so far have been somewhere between annoying and useless, this one landed. I appreciated it so much that I ordered my own copy after borrowing this from the library.

While many professional development books are written by stright white men who don't understand the subtle ways everyone else is pushed away from power, this is written by a woman who is extremely insightful, and explains what is typically assumed in a manner that is honest and helpful. While I am beyond the first sections of her book that deal with early career, as I'm moving from the mid- to advanced-career stage of my life, I think everyone will find this useful in its entirey, whether you're a starter outer, a manager, or an executive.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic, practical advice. There are many business books out there, and I've read a lot of them, but this one really lays out in a clear way how to think (or re-think) your work experience and what you prioritize. I have career discussions with people often, and this book especially stands out to me as one I'll reference when talking to others about career stages and evaluating their next move. There are some stories but just the right amount; chapters are succinct and to the point.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ good advice presented in a concise way, though I think this book is best geared toward folks early in their careers and/or those who are struggling to get to the next level and aren’t quite sure why. Much of the first half was repeat info for me, because I’ve been fortunate enough to attend trainings and development programs that hit on these topics through my company. But I did take some good nuggets from the later chapters.

[Naiana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely the best book I’ve ever read on career development for the 21st century. So many great insights on how to navigate the current world’s work dynamics and politics, applicable to almost every employment context.

I loved the way the author wrote in clear ways as how an individual can improve themselves and climb the corporate ladder without meritocratic bullshit and coachy fluff - which this segment is full of.

A Portuguese translation to this book is urgent.

[Katelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a bit rare in that it is good for people just entering the workforce / Corporate America, and those who have been in for a while but needing to know how to go up to the next level. So much great wisdom on how to navigate promotions, negotiating, managing a team, managing up and managing down, and just generally real talk. She is the mentor we all need in our careers! I definitely recommend this!

[Lauren Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tessa's book is truly extraordinary. Her honest advice is exactly the thing you need to hear. Whether you're looking to advance in your career, make a change, or you're struggling with team dynamics, do yourself a favor and get this book. I'm recommending it to every client I work with--it's that good.

[McKenna Bernard · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was more practical than many other books about careers I have recently read. She has some great hot takes and some helpful exercises. I'm used to books about work that dive into the psychology behind work choices and the way we are and this was not that, so missed some of that element, but good to shake it up.

[Rich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great to read if you're early in your career. For-profit corporate workers will get the most from this, but there is plenty to generalize and many helpful insights and ideas for reframing that make it worthwhile for non-profit workers as well. My perspective on how to successfully interact with upper management has definitely been influenced because of this book.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an excellent book! While this book is geared towards those hoping to climb the corporate ladder, there is so much to be gleaned for everyone! I found the pay negation chapter especially helpful! Things like that are for everyone, in every sector, even if you are a government worker, or a union worker! I recommend this book to everyone!

[Cindelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZING book for career pivots and any refreshing you may want to do in the workplace. Real and extremely relevant for THIS era of work for millennials. This is not only required reading, but honestly a read that I will pick up time and time again. Loved it.

[Alyssa Foll · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great read with "learning snacks" (as Tessa White calls them). This book includes a lot of actionable items and eye-opening insights into how organizations work and think. I think younger millennials and Gen-Z employees would especially connect with this book.

[Ninya · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best career advice books I have read

Read this book if you are early or late in your career. The tips given are applicable now. Each chapter is packed with key items you SHOULD know at every stage of our career. I wish I had this book at the start of my career.

Literally the best career advice book I have read.