---
title: Working While Marginalized
date: 2022-06-17T10:13:00-04:00
author: University of Maryland
canonical_url: "https://today.umd.edu/working-while-marginalized"
section: Articles
---
# Working While Marginalized

*June 17, 2022* — by [Sala Levin ’10](/author/sala-levin-10)


> Alum’s New Book Offers Guidance and Strategies on Navigating Office Culture

*Cubicles istock 1920x1080 — In his book “Seen, Heard, and Paid: The New Work Rules for the Marginalized,” Alan Henry '02 (below) covers tips and strategies for employees who face unfair treatment because of their racial, sexual, ability-related or other identities.*

Alan Henry’s moment of clarity came in a conference room at The New York Times. He’d landed his dream job as an editor at the paper, and was meeting with one of the reporting teams to talk about an upcoming project. After Henry ’02 explained to his new colleagues who he was and what his job entailed, another coworker walked through the door and, by way of introduction, said that he was responsible for all the work Henry had just described—and claimed, falsely, to be Henry’s manager.


*Alan Henry headshot*


*"Seen, Heard & Paid: The New Work Rules for the Marginalized" book cover*



**Sidebar note:**

Here are a few of Alan Henry’s “work rules”:

1. **Inclusion only works if everyone buys in.** Don’t take it upon yourself alone to change a culture if management doesn’t appear to live by the values of inclusion and diversity that they express.
2. **Spend time only on work that gets you attention.** Focus on big-picture projects first, then the day-to-day minutiae. Get as much face time as you can with your manager.
3. **Office housework will never get you ahead.** Don’t become the person who organizes calendars, orders lunch for group meetings or keeps the supply closet stocked–unless that is expressly your job.
4. **Figure out your unique contribution.** Develop a skill that sets you apart from the rest of your team.
5. **Your job is not your friend.** Nurture relationships outside of the office. Spend time on hobbies and activities that make you happy.

Henry offers more tips, news and commentary on being a marginalized person in the workforce through his e-newsletter, [“Productivity, Without Privilege.” ](https://buttondown.email/alanhenry)





**Topics:** [People](https://today.umd.edu/tags/people)


**Tags:** [Alumni](https://today.umd.edu/topic/alumni), [Books](https://today.umd.edu/topic/books)


**Units:** [College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences](https://today.umd.edu/topic/college-computer-mathematical-and-natural-sciences)