Ever want to put your head down, work hard, and advance at work? Unfortunately, hard work isn’t enough to get you ahead in most organizations. Navigating the unspoken rules of the workplace is crucial for career success, especially for those from nondominant identities who face additional challenges.

Podcast guest and author of Unspoken, Dr. Ella F. Washington, shares why these hidden dynamics exist, how they can impact your professional journey, and how to navigate the unspoken.

For nearly two decades, Dr. Washington has been devoted to advancing her mission of “Elevating Humanity in the Workplace.” A distinguished authority on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), she serves as the Founder and CEO of Ellavate Solutions, an organization committed to integrated DEI strategies, where she leads efforts to foster healthier, more equitable work environments.

In this episode, Ella explains the concept of code switching, and how to use it in a way that’s strategic and not soul-crushing. She underscores the value of “reading the room” and observing social dynamics before asserting your competence. Ella defines personal standards of excellence and why they’re critical to career success. She highlights the necessity of networking and showcasing unique skills and contributions.

We discuss Ella’s love of negotiation and how it doesn’t need to stop once you’ve been hired. Finally, she shares why we need to speak the unspoken, giving voice to uncomfortable conversations that can make the workplace a better place.

Join us as we dive into strategies for excelling in spaces where what’s left unsaid often holds the most power. If you want to succeed in the business world without sacrificing your authenticity, this episode is for you!

Key Highlights

• If you get ahead as someone from a nondominant identity, why not make it easier for the next person to not have to deal with some of those same unspoken rules that almost held you back?
• Code switching – anything you’re doing to downplay any part of your identity to make those in the dominant culture feel more comfortable. Examples include changing the words you use, how you dress, and what you eat to be accepted and excel.
• If your competence is being challenged or if there is a dispute of facts, pull out receipts (the documentation of what happened) but not in a contentious way.
• Reading the room is important.  You pick this skill up over time by listening and observing. It helps you understand the politics, power dynamics, personalities, and how things gets done in an organization.
• Before “showing” your competence right away – read the room first.
• Have personal standards of excellence, being honest with your work and how you are showing up. You’re not comparing yourself to others, but rather, your personal abilities.
• Networking IS part of your job. Doing someone else’s job or work outside of your scope warrants a conversation with your manager. It’s a balancing act between being a team player and doing work outside of your responsibilities.
• Highlight your niche and add unique value
• Negotiations continue even after you get in the job. Performance reviews can be a negotiation. Ask yourself – “What have I done to enhance the team and organization?”

Links Mentioned

Ella’s LinkedIn

Unspoken: A Guide to Cracking the Hidden Corporate Code

Ella’s Website: https://www.ellavatesolutions.com/

Full Bio

For nearly two decades, Dr. Ella F. Washington, an organizational psychologist, has been devoted to advancing her mission of “Elevating Humanity in the Workplace.” A distinguished authority on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), she serves as the Founder and CEO of Ellavate Solutions, an organization committed to integrated DEI strategies, where she leads efforts to foster healthier, more equitable work environments.

Alongside her role as a Professor of Practice at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business, Dr. Washington is a sought-after consultant, speaker, and authority on workplace dynamics. Her expertise spans a spectrum, addressing issues such as gender equality, diversity, and the cultivation of inclusive corporate cultures.

In her forthcoming book, “Unspoken,” Dr. Washington directly assists individuals navigating the challenges of corporate environments. By decoding the implicit rules governing these spaces, she empowers them to overcome obstacles and fulfill their career aspirations.

Her first publication, “The Necessary Journey: Making Real Progress on Equity and Inclusion,” underscores her dedication to transformative change in workplaces. Recognized for her pedagogical excellence, Dr. Washington has garnered accolades such as the Excellence in Teaching 2021 award and inclusion in Poet and Quants’ 40 under 40 MBA Professors in 2023.

Moreover, Dr. Washington’s commitment extends beyond academia and business. As the Founder of the Ellavate Charity Foundation, she channels her passion for social impact through free webinars, community programs, and research initiatives. Previously, she spearheaded Gallup’s Diversity and Inclusion practice and co-hosted the Center of Black Voices Cultural Competence Podcast. Residing in Washington, D.C., Dr. Washington continues to shape the discourse on inclusive workplaces through her multifaceted roles and endeavors.