The 10 People Who Suck - A Positive Prescription for Improving Communication in the Workplace [Paperback]

Ryan Powers and Michael Wissot (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 27, 2007

Do you suck? Surely, you know someone who does. We see them every day through characters in popular culture from movies like Office Space to comic strips like Dilbert to TV shows like Seinfeld. We identify with these storylines because we have interacted with similar people firsthand, especially in the workplace. While it s often relieving to laugh at those who make our jobs a living hell, we all need realistic solutions to co-exist with them. The 10 People Who Suck presents a lighthearted evaluation of the most problematic personalities at work, and it provides specific techniques to resolve conflict with these office misfits. The messages resonate with the entry-level employee adapting to new surroundings, the manager looking to revitalize a static career, or the executive trying to increase productivity throughout the organization. The 10 People Who Suck reveals how to improve communication and performance for the benefit every team member.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Powers and Wissot have masterfully introduced the virtues of 'triangulation' to Corporate America. The practice of combining the strengths of two sides has worked wonders in politics, and similar results can be achieved in business. The 10 People Who Suck exposes the aggravating sources of conflict at work and provides a refreshing way to unite employees throughout an organization." --Dick Morris, FOX News Analyst & former adviser to President Bill Clinton and Senator Trent Lott

"Perfection is overrated, but mediocrity sucks! We are all guilty, to varying degrees, of resisting or ignoring what's in the best interest of our organization, our colleagues and even ourselves. Powers and Wissot remind us that the way we manage conflict is far more important than the conflict itself. The 10 People Who Suck provides invaluable tools to help individuals communicate more effectively. Pay close attention to the '11th Person' chapter - it's a brilliant addition to a book that everyone will enjoy." --Chris Perry, President, Thomson Financial, Americas Sales, Marketing & Services

"The 10 People Who Suck rings true to anyone who has encountered ineffective communicators at work - whether they are your employees, colleagues or supervisors. Most people are quick to avoid confrontation in the workplace. But Powers and Wissot have made a convincing case on why and how to engage these individuals, in order to expand personal and organizational growth. This book is a guaranteed winner." --Dr. Caren Siehl, Clinical Professor of Management, Thunderbird School of Global Management

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: City Hall Publishing; 1st edition (November 27, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0979978300
• ISBN-13: 978-0979978302
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,413,170 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I have worked with all 10, January 5, 2008

By 

Kate Smith "Kate" (Washington, DC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The 10 People Who Suck - A Positive Prescription for Improving Communication in the Workplace (Paperback)

Anyone who has worked with or managed these ten people can benefit from the strategies laid out in this book. The authors not only describe the warning signs but offer remedies that go beyond just griping about our problematic coworkers at happy hour. It is a fast, fun read that makes you think twice about your own office dynamics and hits so close to home sometimes you swear your office might be bugged. Unlike a lot of management books this one doesn't preach from on high but offers perspective from the trenches. It gives you hope you aren't alone in dealing with these personality types and makes you think twice about whether you might be one of them.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A very helpful book., January 4, 2008

By 

S. Barry (Midlothian, VA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The 10 People Who Suck - A Positive Prescription for Improving Communication in the Workplace (Paperback)

A very helpful book. It is so important to not only be reminded of who these people are; but also to learn what can be done to make things better. I thought the 10 People struck the right balance between humor and helpful insight.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A fun read with a lot of insights, January 4, 2008

By 

Stephen Snyder (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The 10 People Who Suck - A Positive Prescription for Improving Communication in the Workplace (Paperback)

I really liked this book. It's light-hearted and short enough to make an easy read, but thoughtful about what makes a good strategy for dealing with difficult individuals (the titular "people who suck"). The descriptions of each type first made me laugh...and then made me cringe (I work with some of these people!). The framework presented for crafting those strategies is very useful, if a little rigid, and the authors' ideas for dealing and communicating with challenging people gave me a lot to think about. I'd definitely recommend this book, especially to anyone who finds themselves having a hard time with that know-it-all boss, tyrannical customer, or lazy colleague.