Everyone has worked with an asshole at one time in their career but wouldn't it be great if you could identify them before they are hired? How about a survival guide to working with them?
I recognized past co-workers in this book.
The book contains several real life stories where the names were changed to protect the innocent.
There were times I thought that the book was written by an insider in one of the companies I had worked at in the past.
It's almost like having a therapist who understands your predicament.
The author makes you realize that you are not alone and that assholes are rampant in many organizations.
He even gives some examples of famous assholes and how they operated. Steve Jobs is probably the most recognizable to some of us.
How to Avoid "Asshole Poisoning" was my favorite section.
Being an asshole can be contagious. Just by being in a room for a short period of time with an asshole can transform the nicest person into a temporary tyrant.
This is why it's important to keep assholes out of the work place. If you have the flu you shouldn't go to work and infect others so if you have an asshole in your organization show him/her the door ASAP.
Other favorite sections include:
- Calculating a TCA (Total Cost of Assholes to Your Organization)
- Self-test: Are you a certified Asshole (Signs that your inner jerk is rearing its ugly head)
- Tips for Surviving Nasty People in the Workplace
- Why Assholes Fool Themselves
This book was recommended to me by Jim Baran a couple of months ago. Since then I've recommended it to at least 25 others and used it to help a few people through some tough situations. Give it a read...you won't be disappointed.
