A Survival Guide for Working With Bad Bosses: Dealing With Bullies, Idiots, Back-stabbers, And Other Managers from Hell [Paperback]

Gini Graham Scott Ph.D. (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 25, 2005 | ISBN-10: 0814472982 | ISBN-13: 978-0814472989

Being saddled with a terrible supervisor can turn even the best job into a nightmare. Unfortunately, not every boss is the great symbol of managerial perfection one would hope for. In fact, more people than not consider themselves stuck with a ""bad boss."" But short of remaining miserable or quitting a job, what can be done about it? A Survival Guide for Working with Bad Bosses provides readers with savvy, practical advice for coping with managers and supervisors who are mean, incompetent, unethical, and worse. The book includes powerful strategies for not only working with -- but thriving under -- such bad boss types as: * The Great Betrayers -- how to defend yourself against a corporate backstabber * The Know-Nothing Bosses -- what to do when a boss is clueless * The Bad Communicators -- how to respond when a boss is consistently unclear Whether a boss is high-strung, incompetent, or a power-mad tyrant, this book has the solution.

Editorial Reviews

Review

""Consider this to be the guide of all guides to dealing with bad bosses; it’s both an easy book to read, and one that is very thorough….If you are having trouble dealing with your boss, this book will be well worth its price in helping you find solutions."

--Houston Chronicle

""Packed with hands-on advice to keep frustrated employees from shrieking and running naked towards a cliff, and living to achieve professional success. Good tips!"

----Joyce Lain Kennedy, nationally syndicated columnist

Review

" ""I wish I had A Survival Guide for Working with Bad Bosses ten years ago when I went through three bad bosses in a row, and thought I was the only one at fault! As a career and business coach, I will definitely recommend this book to my clients because it has no-nonsense, practical tips on what to do. It also helps new bosses avoid these pitfalls themselves. I love this book!""---Susan Urquhart-Brown, M. A.; author of The Accidental Entrepreneur; Principal of CareerSteps123 Coaching in Oakland, California

""For Gini's sake, I hope she hasn't personally had to deal with the entire array of ""bosses from hell"" she describes in her new book! Most employees, unfortunately, will be able to relate to at least one of the vignettes she's compiled. Blessedly, they will also find tried-and-true solutions to whichever situation they're currently facing. Thanks to Gini for telling it like it is!"" -- Shari Dunn, Managing Principal, CompAnalysis

""Gini Graham Scott has done it again! This is a terrific book with some great hands-on advice. As always, Gini combines practical sense and fun. Pick it up -- laugh and learn!"" -- Dale Marie Golden, Vice President, Private Banking, Wells Fargo Bank

""With examples from real work situations that resonate, Gini Graham Scott’s new book offers pragmatic ways to respond for anyone who has a difficult boss, and who wants to exert influence and a degree of control."" -- Claire Kinlaw, Ph.D.; Developmental Products, Inc.; project team development consultant

""Everyone should add this book to their HR library!"" -- Joe Haraburda, President, Chief Executive Officer, Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce"

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 17 and up
  
• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: AMACOM (November 25, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0814472982
• ISBN-13: 978-0814472989
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #200,107 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

48 of 52 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Don't buy bad workplace advice!, February 4, 2007

By 

Timothy J. Seguin (Lansing MI USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Survival Guide for Working With Bad Bosses: Dealing With Bullies, Idiots, Back-stabbers, And Other Managers from Hell (Paperback)

I used the advice in this book to deal with a bad boss and the toxic work environment that was created. In compliance with Amazon's review policy I won't reveal it here. In my case the end result is hostility, harassment, and retaliation. What Scott apparently forgets is that these "bad bosses" will regard ANY challenge (even those advocated in her book) as a personal threat and will use the assets at his disposal (i.e., company assets, discipline process) for retribution AGAINST the assertive employee. And since he IS the boss, he has the full backing of the company, regardless of legality, ethics, or motives. These tactics may work with rational, well adjusted supervisors in employee-focused companies, but in my experience pathological bosses are the rule and not the exception.

Do yourself a favor. If you have a bad boss, find a better job and DON'T buy this book or use the advice contained therein.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars You need this book!!, March 10, 2006

By 

A. Lai (South San Francisco, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: A Survival Guide for Working With Bad Bosses: Dealing With Bullies, Idiots, Back-stabbers, And Other Managers from Hell (Paperback)

This is THE best book that I have read regarding the "art" of identifying and dealing with difficult people, esp. when those difficult people are your managers. For me as an independent contractor, this is particularly helpful not only in dealing with difficult clients, but also in recognizing them at the interview stage! I wish I'd had this book many years ago - it would have saved me a lot of stress and aggravation! Another note: the ideas and suggestions presented in this book are relevant not just to dealing with managers, but also to your relationships with co-workers, teachers, "friends", and family members. This is a book that everyone should read if there is just one difficult person in their life.

16 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A very comprehensive set of options to consider, January 9, 2006

By 

Michael Erisman (Seattle, WA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Survival Guide for Working With Bad Bosses: Dealing With Bullies, Idiots, Back-stabbers, And Other Managers from Hell (Paperback)

There have been times in all of our lives when we have experienced working for someone who for whatever reason did not fall into the "great boss" category. This book however deals with those who transcend mere annoyance and dwell in the realm of the truly diabolical.

The highlights of the book are the rich stories and examples, and the endless options presented to dealing with various difficult and damaging situations. While some of the case studies are a bit generic, they ring true for the most part, which is important. There are few examples of "straw man" set ups here with two dimensional examples and easy fix platitudes.

The book is written well and is easy to follow. Even if you feel well equipped to handle most of the challenges, there will be options here you may not have considered, and a few that may make the difference between success and failure on the job in terms of your relationship and performance under duress.

Overall, I would say this is one of the better books out there on subject, and while it often fails to address the core psychology and personal accountability to the depth necessary (See; "Leadership and Self Deception", "Emotional Intelligence" and others for that), it nonetheless is a useful tool for current and future opportunities to endure the destructive antics of the worst bosses.