We have established in the past two posts that unwritten rules exist, so how do you learn about them? Are you learning by trial and error? Are you using your keen observation skills? Or are you being more proactive and asking colleagues and supervisors for information to understand how things work?

In the Catalyst paper, Unwritten Rules: What you Don’t Know Can Hurt Your Career, respondents to the survey said then gained access to unwritten rules through:
• Informal networks only (65%)
• Formal and informal networks (57%)
• Mentors, sponsors & supervisors (48%)

Respondents also used the following learning strategies:
• Observe others, both successful and unsuccessful (58%)
• Individual feedback; performance evaluation feedback; formal coaching (37%)
• Trial and error; trying different tactics (28%)
• Observing written and verbal interactions (e.g., email, meetings) (28%)

The majority to respondents relied on social networks and mentors, or both, as sources of information and career opportunities.

Are you conscious of the unwritten rules in your organization? How do you discover what they are?

Share your ideas by leaving a comment on the blog.

Next week - In Hindsight…