Gorick Ng - The Unspoken Rules

Gorick Ng uses skills honed at Harvard on how to approach any complex problem and simply break it down into its component parts. This is a highly readable and essential guide for every young person who wants to succeed.

DAVID CAREY, former Global President and Chairman, Hearst Magazines

I had a massive inferiority complex as a first-generation college student from a liberal arts background. The Unspoken Rules helped me turn that anxiety into confidence.

CHRISTINA L., business development intern, media

Working at a startup, it was easy to lose sight of what I really wanted because we were building so quickly. The Unspoken Rules helped me define my professional goals and position myself for a promotion I didnt know I could have.

WINSTON H., chief of staff, health care

School taught me how to code and debug but not how to turn managers and coworkers into allies. Thanks to The Unspoken Rules, I went from not having anyone to lean on to building lifelong friends and mentors.

PRIYA R., software engineer, finance

I felt lost while remote onboarding to my first full-time job, which had no HR and coworkers who were too busy to train me. The Unspoken Rules taught me how to be proactive, ask the right questions, and convince my manager that I am ready for more important responsibilities.

ANDR M., political staffer, government

After reading The Unspoken Rules, I realized why I didnt get a return offer in my previous internship. Now, two months into a new job, my boss has even told me that she has never seen this level of ownership and professionalism from a recent grad before!

HONG L., marketing analyst, nonprofit

Switching careers is stressful, especially when all of your colleagues have years of experience. The Unspoken Rules gave me a framework for earning others trust from day one. I went from feeling like an impostor to being recognized as a quick learner and effective teammate.

EMMANUEL C., human resources, biotechnology

In my first job, I was so concerned about making the perfect comment that I was always quiet in meetings with senior partners. The Unspoken Rules helped me find the confidence to speak up, so Im now an active contributor in investment committee meetings.

MARIA G., investor, private equity

The Unspoken Rules isnt only for when you have a boss. Knowing how to prioritize, keep the team on the same page, and communicate efficiently is even more important when you dont have anyone looking over you.

EUGENIO D., cofounder, startup

You need to do more than show up, lecture, and grade assignments to succeed as a teacher. You need other teachers to respect you and your department head to trust you. How do you build a reputation like that? No one teaches you thisnot until The Unspoken Rules.

ARIEL F., high school teacher

The Unspoken Rules completely changed how I work with my principal investigator. No more all-nightersnow Im setting clear boundaries, managing up, and deciding when to follow instructions and when to think for myself.

RICHARD Z., graduate researcher, academia

When I began my career, I thought that putting in the hours and winning cases would make me stand out. The Unspoken Rules not only helped me realize the importance of relationship building in promotion decisions but also gave me the tools and confidence to put myself out there.

KATHRYN R., law student

Succeeding in tech is all about figuring out what you need to doand then rallying people with different priorities around that goal. No one teaches you how to deal with ambiguity and manage yourself and other people. The Unspoken Rules does.

HASSAN A., product manager, technology

THE
UNSPOKEN
RULES

Secrets to
Starting Your
Career Off Right

GORICK NG

HARVARD BUSINESS REVIEW PRESS

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS