Get started

How Work Works

Michelle King

Navigate workplace politics, informal networks, and unspoken expectations to advance your career without compromising your authenticity.

17 min5 Chapters
How Work Works

Listen to the intro

1:38

Outline

What's it about?

How Work Works (2023) examines the informal rules, hidden expectations, and workplace relationships that often influence professional success. It shows readers how to understand organisational culture, build useful networks, gain recognition for their contributions, and navigate systems that are not always explained openly.

Key ideas

  • Workplaces run on informal rules and unspoken expectations that often shape professional success as much as formal job descriptions do.
  • Understanding your organisation's culture helps you see how decisions are really made and what is quietly valued.
  • Building useful networks, not just completing tasks, is part of how careers move forward.
  • Doing good work is not enough on its own; you also need to gain recognition for your contributions.
  • You can handle workplace politics and unwritten systems without giving up your authenticity.

About the author

Michelle King is an organisational culture expert, researcher, speaker, and author who studies how workplaces can become more effective and supportive. She has worked with international organisations and advises leaders and employees on culture, professional development, and the barriers that affect career progress.

Questions people ask

What is How Work Works by Michelle King about?

How Work Works, published in 2023, explains the informal rules, hidden expectations and relationships that influence success at work. It shows how to read organisational culture, build networks and get credit for your contributions.

Who should read How Work Works?

It suits professionals who feel that advancement depends on rules nobody explains openly. It is especially relevant for anyone working on career growth, workplace communication or understanding corporate culture.

How long is the Durar summary of How Work Works?

The Durar summary takes about 15 minutes to read or listen to. It covers the book's main ideas on workplace politics, networks and recognition while staying true to your own style.

You May Also Like

Visual Thinking

Temple Grandin

AI Snake Oil

Arvind Narayanan and Sayash Kapoor

Lucky Loser

Russ Buettner and Susanne Craig

Competing In The Age Of AI

Marco Iansiti and Karim Lakhani

More in Business & Career

The Algebra of Wealth

Scott Galloway

Future Fit

Andrea Clarke

The Black Swan

Nassim Nicholas Taleb

Never Split the Difference

Chris Voss and Tahl Raz

The New Corner Office

Laura Vanderkam

Boundary Boss

Terri Cole

Finding Clarity

Marc Lesser

Get the key ideas from the world's best books in about 15 minutes

Free account · One free summary every day