Death By Powerpoint [Paperback]

Michael Flocker (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 10, 2006

Does your manager talk endlessly about "engineering synergy" and "bridging disconnects?" Does the guy in the cube next to you eavesdrop and peak at what's in your personal drawer? Have you ever come close to "death by PowerPoint" as you struggle to stay awake in a meeting? If you work in any kind of office--large or small--the answers to these questions are undoubtedly "yes" and you obviously and desperately need Death By PowerPoint. A life-saving guide to twenty-first century corporate culture, it provides incisive coverage of everything you'll need to get ahead (or to simply stay above water): The Art of Office Politics--sucking up effectively, how to deal with control freaks and that annoying guy with all the "new ideas" E-Mail Etiquette--responding to ridiculous requests, managing passive-aggressive messages, and how best to undo E-damage Mandatory Fun--proper etiquette for office parties, the curse of Secret Santa, and undermining your drunken co-workers Sex in the Workplace--how to spot video surveillance, telltale signs that others are getting it on, dumping etiquette, and the treacherous realm of sex with the boss

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Flocker brings the mocking humor from his Metrosexual Guide to Style and its follow-ups to the workplace, but the effect is like throwing a fresh coat of paint on a rundown old car. Much of his advice is exactly what you'd find in any other handbook to the corporate environment, like the chestnut about dressing for the job one level higher than your current position, while still maintaining your individual sense of style. Even worse are the passages that haven't been fresh since the mid-1990s, like a list of warning signs for e-mail addiction or making fun of "action item" and other corporate buzzwords. When Flocker does venture into original territory, his anti-corporate humor is stuck on the level of juvenile pranks. He recommends messing with your co-workers' heads by moving things on their desks when they aren't looking or interrupting meetings with silly questions. There's also a slew of wacky new vocabulary terms culled from the Internet, several of which actually have very little to do with the workplace. Marginal illustrations liven things up, but even they aren't as entertaining as reading a Dilbert collection—which would better equip readers for office politics as well. (Nov. 30)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Review

"A funny (and thoroughly useful) manual on how to survive working for [a corporation]." -- (Metro, 10/30/2006)

"Flocker will help you make the most of being back at work now that the summer is over." -- Hamptons, October 2006

"Gives critical information on surviving...Wrap up this great stocking stuffer." -- Playboy.com, 2006 Holiday Gift Guide

"If you have the `pleasure' to work in an office setting, this is required reading. Thankfully, it's also humorous." -- Anchorage Daily News, 12/8/06

"Much here is laugh-out-loud funny, but there is plenty of perceptive analysis and sage advice as well." -- Hartford Courant, 1/7/07

"Well illustrated and distinctive." -- The Bookseller (UK), 7/14/06

"Wildly humorous...smart-mouth author Michael Flocker nails...amusing but serious pages." -- Careers Now, 11/12/06

"Wry humor drives its workplace points home." -- (Biz Books, 11/05/2006)

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Da Capo Press (October 10, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0306815125
• ISBN-13: 978-0306815126
• Product Dimensions: 5.3 x 0.6 x 7.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,876,938 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars A good read (and laugh!) December 30, 2006

By corporate slave

Format:Paperback

As the stereotypical corporate slave that I am, I found this book very amusing, helpful and practical. I've never been one to get involved in office politics, but after reading this I learned that there are smart ways to get involved without getting burned. The book gives very clever ideas for breaking up the monotony of the 9 to 5 grind, "survival" tips for that horrible coworker you want to strangle, and hilarous tricks for making boring meetings entertaining. Overall, I thought it was a hilarious jab at how pathetic we have become, yet it has practical ideas on advancing your career and making the most of your job. Excellent (and quick!) read.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Funny I've been here before November 20, 2006

By Sandra Verrier

Format:Paperback

I was starting to create quite a raucous in the bookstore when I picked up this little gem. Even though I paid way more than if I had ordered it online here, I just couldn't let it go. Anyone who's been through the corporate world the past 10 years will get it because you were there, you lived it, and you faced death by powerpoint on a frequent basis. The little pictures that go along with it are absolutely hysterical. [...], and the book should have included a few more current trends. Buy it if you'd like that little trip down memory lane. It's ok, you can laugh about it now.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A humor book that is actually funny! February 2, 2008

By Art

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

Why is this book so cheap? If you like the TV show "The Office," you will LOVE this book. Funny, interesting research, great quotes, all mixed in with some practical advice. I actually laughed out loud a few times! This makes a great gift... the low price is just gravy!!!