A concise, no-nonsense guide to navigating the “hired-to-fired” minutiae of workplace politics.
Credentials are key to any self-help-adjacent title, something author Keith Calhoun-Senghor has in spades. With a resume boasting over forty years of experience as a senior government official and various stints practicing law in the private sector, Calhoun- Senghor clearly knows a thing or two about the job market. His new book, HOW TO GET A JOB AND KEEP A JOB: The Fundamentals of Organizational Politics, offers readers a concise, no-nonsense guide to navigating the minutiae of workplace politics.
HOW TO GET A JOB AND KEEP A JOB opens with a bona fides-establishing anecdote from Calhoun-Senghor about his time working for the Clinton Administration. It’s there, in the opening pages, that Calhoun-Senghor lays out his mission statement—citing his book as a “brief, practical, brutally honest real-world guide” for anyone starting or changing careers. Key to this process is what Calhoun-Senghor has dubbed the “Calhoun-Senghor Rules”: twenty-four pieces of hard-earned wisdom that are surprisingly applicable, regardless of the situation or circumstances.
Some of Calhoun-Senghor’s rules may seem obvious (“Style Matters,” “Always Be Prepared”), but most are not. In fact, priceless wisdom would be a more appropriate description for “rules” like “Understatement Is Best” and “All Big Problems Start Small.” These rules are worth the price of admission alone, but the job-interview portion of this text is where many readers should start. Calhoun-Senghor offers a brief treasure trove of advice on negotiating, getting hired, and even the pitfalls that will lead to getting fired.
While the author indisputably nails the broad strokes, some readers may need a few pages to get accustomed to his direct, authoritative tone. Advice like “never engage in a stupid, unnecessary fight” and “you are not the office psychiatrist” are good examples of the overall voice. That said, in an arena where superfluous, one-size-fits-all content tends to run rampant, Calhoun-Senghor’s candor is both refreshing and necessary. Pulling punches helps no one when it comes to the reality of today’s job market. There are no sidebars discussing the finer points of creating a “brand” on social media, which is precisely why this book will still matter decades from now.
Based on the subject matter and execution alone, HOW TO GET A JOB AND KEEP A JOB is a success. Students will undoubtedly earn a better appreciation for making every moment count, and employees will gain an invaluable understanding of how every day is another opportunity to make a first impression. But what really sets Calhoun-Senghor’s book apart from the fray is the author’s attention to detail. Be it the top-shelf, very-giftable packaging or the brilliant illustrations, this book exudes quality from cover to cover. Add to that a handful of appendices (and even a glossary), and you have a reference ready-made for any professional’s desk.
IR Verdict: Keith Calhoun-Senghor’s HOW TO GET A JOB AND KEEP A JOB: The Fundamentals of Organizational Politics is a “quick” read that offers invaluable advice on nearly every page. A tremendous value proposition for working adults at any stage of their careers, and a must-read for anyone looking to enter (or transition through) the job market.
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