Unwritten Rules of Work
← All posts

Module 4 Overview: Understanding Workplace Leverage vs. Exploitation

July 31, 2026

Module Overview

SESSIONS 5-6: UNDERSTANDING WORKPLACE LEVERAGE VS. EXPLOITATION

Overview

Core Question: If you're waiting on reciprocity without demanding it, are you really being generous? Or are you building resentment?

What You'll Learn:

  • Why work is transactional (and why that's not cynical)

  • The difference between leverage and exploitation

  • How communal values clash with individualistic workplaces

  • Where you're being exploited vs. where you're creating leverage

  • How to make transactions explicit without feeling like you're "selling out"

How These Sessions Work

STEP 1: Watch Video 1 (12 minutes)

  • Introduces the leverage vs. exploitation framework

  • Explains communal vs. individualistic workplace cultures

  • Prepares you to gather data about YOUR situation

STEP 2: Complete Worksheets 16, 17, 18 (60-90 minutes)

  • Worksheet 16: Generosity vs. Leverage Audit

  • Worksheet 17: Reciprocity Map

  • Worksheet 18: Situations Where You Feel Exploited

These worksheets are data collection, not problem-solving. Be honest. Don't judge yourself yet.

STEP 3: Coaching Session (50 minutes) Your coach will:

  • Help you distinguish generosity from exploitation in YOUR situations

  • Identify where YOU have leverage that you're not using

  • Explain the difference between communal and transactional reciprocity

  • Define where YOUR boundaries need to be

  • Create a specific plan for YOUR workplace

STEP 4: Watch Video 2 (10 minutes)

  • Reviews the three types of workplace leverage

  • Gives you frameworks for making transactions explicit

  • Prepares you to create your action plan

STEP 5: Complete Worksheets 19, 20, 21 (60-90 minutes)

  • Worksheet 19: Leverage Conversation Scripts

  • Worksheet 20: Boundary Setting Plan

  • Worksheet 21: Reciprocity Commitments

These worksheets apply what you learned in coaching to create specific actions.

Session Objectives

By the end of Sessions 5-6, you will:

✓ Understand why work is transactional and how that differs from communal cultures
✓ Identify specific situations where you're being exploited
✓ Recognize the three types of leverage you have (expertise, relationships, timing)
✓ Know how to make transactions explicit without feeling manipulative
✓ Have scripts for leverage conversations specific to YOUR workplace
✓ Have a boundary-setting plan for situations where you're being exploited
✓ Understand how to code-switch between communal and transactional values

Most importantly: You'll stop waiting for reciprocity and start demanding it—professionally, strategically, and without guilt.

Ready to get started? Purchase Module 4!

Not sure yet? Take the 2-min quiz on my home page to learn which (if any) modules are a best fit for you.