Rules of Engagement: Navigating Relationships in the Workplace

By Dawn Johnson, Author of Rules of Engagement: Managing Relationships Without Burning Bridges

In today’s workplace, success is about more than titles, résumés, or technical skills—it’s about how well we manage relationships. That’s one of the central truths I share in my book, Rules of Engagement. After decades of leading in corporate spaces, with small businesses, grassroots initiatives, and civic leadership, I’ve learned that the difference between moving projects forward or watching them collapse, often comes down to how we interact with people.

For Black professionals and those who feel left out of certain circles, this reality is especially significant. Many of us are building careers in spaces that weren’t always designed with us in mind. That means not only excelling in our roles but also learning how to navigate dynamics that can sometimes feel stacked against us. That’s where the Rules of Engagement framework comes in—because the way we manage relationships can either create opportunities or close doors.

1. Protecting Your Seat at the Table

In Rules of Engagement, I talk about how every interaction is an opportunity to strengthen (or strain) relationships. In the workplace, that might look like preparing before you enter a meeting, being intentional about your tone in an email, or choosing when to push and when to pause. Protecting your seat at the table isn’t about being silent—it’s about being strategic so your presence adds value, influence and advocacy. 

2. Releasing Expectations, Avoiding Assumptions

One of the rules I highlight in the book is to “release people from expectations.” Often, we assume colleagues “should know” how we want things handled, or that managers will automatically recognize our efforts. These silent expectations lead to frustration. Instead, clarity—whether in project assignments, deadlines, or career goals—is a form of self-advocacy. This is how we move from resentment to results.

3. Boundaries Without Barriers

In the book, I push back against the idea that boundaries are about keeping people out. In reality, the right type of boundaries keep relationships sustainable. For example, saying no to a last-minute request when you’re already overcommitted isn’t shutting someone out—it’s preserving your ability to perform well long-term. However, depending on your level of passion for an initiative, maybe you can offer alternative solutions vs full engagement.  This practice helps build healthy boundaries in the workplace and in the community to ensure your contributions are steady, but not strained.  I encourage your boundaries to be more like screens vs walls, let the light in and keep the bugs out.  Let’s navigate around the issues and stay focused on positive outcomes and what CAN be achieved.

4. Building Bridges, Not Burning Them

One of my core beliefs is this: you cannot accomplish much in life without people. That’s why I emphasize building bridges over burning them. For Black professionals or anyone feeling marginalized, this is especially critical. Burning bridges can mean not just losing an opportunity but losing access to networks, influence, and trust. Building bridges doesn’t mean silencing your truth—it means learning how to communicate it with wisdom, respect, and foresight.

5. Legacy in Every Interaction

A through-line of Rules of Engagement is the idea of legacy. Every conversation, every project, every relationship leaves a mark. In the workplace, how people remember working with you often determines whether they recommend you, champion you, or collaborate with you again. Practicing rules of engagement ensures that your professional legacy is one of trust, strategy, and impact.

Final Thought

The workplace is rarely just about the work itself—it’s about the people who shape it. For Black professionals especially, and others struggling to be seen, effectively utilized and valued, learning how to navigate relationships without burning bridges is a powerful tool for career longevity and advancement. Rules of Engagement offers a framework to do just that: to protect your peace, amplify your purpose, and leave a lasting impact wherever you go.

About the Book

Rules of Engagement: Managing Relationships Without Burning Bridges by Dawn Johnson is a practical guide for navigating one of life’s most important skills—managing relationships. Drawing from decades of experience in corporate leadership, business ownership, political engagement, and community building, Johnson offers actionable principles for building bridges, releasing expectations, setting healthy boundaries, and sustaining meaningful connections. Whether in your career, personal life, or civic leadership, this book equips you with tools to protect your peace, strengthen your influence, and create a legacy of impact.

Purchase your copy here.