Part Two: The Unwritten Rules In The Workplace
Getting the job was the easy part. The moment you accept the offer, the rules change, and nobody hands you a manual for them. On this episode of Adulting101 Masterclass, host Heather Redisch breaks down the unwritten rules of the workplace that decide who earns trust, who gets the best opportunities, and who people want on their team.
Heather explains why watching your new environment matters more than trying to fix it right away. She shares the exact phrase she uses to ask a question instead of sounding critical, and why that one shift changes how people see you in a room. She also gets specific about meetings: when to arrive, when to put your phone away, and what your video background is quietly telling people.
You'll hear why reliability is the skill nobody talks about but every manager notices, plus the simple habit that builds trust right after a meeting ends. Heather walks through how to manage up at work, including a personal user's manual you can build to explain how you work best.
This episode covers workplace communication tips for new employees, workplace etiquette for your first job, how to build trust with your manager, and how to make a good impression at a new job. If you're starting a new job or managing someone who is, this conversation lays out the unwritten rules of the workplace so you don't have to learn them the hard way.
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 Intro: the unwritten rules of the workplace
01:07 Why culture fit beats early opinions
03:35 Swapping criticism for curiosity with coworkers
05:47 Showing up prepared and present in meetings
10:39 Taking notes and staying off your laptop
15:28 Sending recap emails that build trust
17:43 Choosing Slack, email, or a call
22:37 Solving problems before running to your manager
25:04 Managing up and your personal user's manual
29:55 Why reliability is the real career skill
Connect with Heather Redisch:
Visit the Adulting101 Masterclass website
Follow Adulting101 Masterclass on Instagram
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm.
