Ruchin Kansal Explores the Unwritten Rules of Career Success in New Book
Thursday, November 12, 2026
Why do talented, hardworking professionals sometimes struggle to advance in their
careers? A new book co-authored by Ruchin Kansal, professor of practice at Seton Hall University, explores how understanding organizational
dynamics, building trust and making contributions visible can help professionals succeed
in the workplace.
Work Signals: An Insider’s Guide to Winning When Talent Is Not Enough, co-authored with organizational psychologist Anthony W. Caputo, will be released by Routledge on November 16. The book offers a practical guide to navigating organizations' unwritten rules and understanding how professional value is recognized and rewarded.
Drawing on research in organizational behavior and decades of executive leadership experience, Kansal and Caputo examine why talent and hard work alone do not always translate into career advancement. They introduce a framework for creating meaningful value, communicating contributions effectively, building relationships and adapting to changing workplace expectations.
The book takes a systems-based, human-centered approach to career development, emphasizing that professional success requires more than individual performance. Readers learn to recognize organizational culture and power dynamics, establish credibility and position themselves for new opportunities without resorting to self-promotion or manipulation.
Designed for students, early-career professionals, managers and senior executives, Work Signals includes real-world case studies, reflective questions and practical tools that readers can apply to their own careers. Its chapters address understanding workplace expectations, identifying personal strengths, navigating organizational culture and maintaining adaptability throughout a career.
The authors seek to make the often-unspoken dynamics of organizational success more accessible, helping professionals understand not only how to perform their work effectively but also how to ensure their contributions are understood and valued.
“We often assume that talent, hard work and strong performance are enough to build a successful career, but the reality is more complicated,” said Kansal. “Success also depends on understanding how organizations work, building meaningful relationships and ensuring that the value we create is recognized. With Work Signals, we want to help professionals navigate these often-unspoken expectations and take greater ownership of their career development.”
Kansal is a professor of practice in the Division of Continuing Education and Professional Studies and a visiting instructor in the Stillman School of Business, where he teaches leadership, management and innovation. He is also the founding editor of In the Lead, the University’s leadership magazine.
Work Signals: An Insider’s Guide to Winning When Talent Is Not Enough will be available on November 16 through Routledge and on Amazon. Additional information is available at WorkSignals.org.
