Customer Reviews

Toxic People: Decontaminate Difficult People at Work Without Using Weapons Or Duct Tape

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I liked the categories of different kinds of people and what to say, and what to avoid. There are helpful steps to take with each kind of difficult person you might encounter -- it's a good roadmap. I also really enjoyed Understanding Other People:: The Five Secrets to Human Behavior (Volume 1)to help in these cases because it's a quick read that teaches how to observe your own behaviors. I like information that's useful so I can to learn how to deal with difficult people each day!

Just finished Toxic People. As an author, I commend Petrie Sue's rapid-fire style; her ability to get directly, yet thoroughly, to the point. As an avid reader, she captured my attendtion. It really was hard to put down. As an educator, I am pleased to see she used good examples which drive home her points. Though all the examples didn't resinate with me, she continually demonstrates she can illustrate her experiences and add life to her lessons!

As I read about the six types of Toxic People and how to deal with them I found gems on every page that will help me as I offer help to others daily. Her book is indeed like a microscope in that it allowed me to focus more closely on the toxic behaviors and the antidotes. I am much better armed to relate with others in my life who may be toxic.

Then it hit me ... Marsha was holding up a mirror for me to see my own (hard to admit) toxic behavior in certain situations. That hardly seems fair, that I should have to sit here and admit that I am sometimes the enemy. Ouch ... that hurts! As I made my way through the pages I learned a bit more about me and how others in my "we" are having to deal with me. I actually feel empowered now to discard some of my own toxic behaviors. Marsha says you can take it, leave it or change it. I am going to change a few things. That's the best recommendation I can give this book.
Thanks Marsha. I owe you.

DHR

I purchased a hardcover copy of this book in the hopes that I might learn a thing or two about the work environment I've just recently begun working in. I was constantly working jobs that required me to work alone, but the new office I work in is certainly a strange land filled with many kinds of human beings with different goals and motivations. I chose to check out this book because it seemed to shine a bright and bold spotlight down on my fellow (annoying) employees.

I read "Toxic People" quickly and effortlessly as each page continually kept my interest with all the truths it revealed that seemed so dead-on with my coworkers. I'm sure that I even fit some qualifications for some of the behaviors mentioned, but for the most part I try and be respectful in the workplace and don't have ulterior motives or envious eyes towards fellow employees. Marsha Petrie Sue does an immaculate job of exploiting these behaviors and how to (peacefully) combat the pesky people who so often flaunt them. The book also reveals seven very useful lessons for office survival (which I have used since reading and have been victorious), easy instructions on how to be more uplifting and positive in the workplace, and dozens of helpful tips and detailed guidelines on how to be more productive while still keeping the peace of a conflict-free habitat.

I only read it recently, but this book has absolutely changed my perspective (for the better) in the office. I've been keeping it in mind as I deal with snobs and egos who I come into contact with, and it's totally changed my interactions with them because now I know how to handle them. I've also been utilizing the tips on positivity in the workplace and have had great success, as I now have a much better outlook and days go by faster than ever. I definitely would recommend this book to anyone who wants to transform their job from being conflicting and torturing to something comfortable and painless.

My job has really felt so toxic lately and you can't quit your job in this economy, as I keep reminding myself, so this book is helping me deal with it all. Marsha Petrie Sue is right - life is too short to let people drive you crazy! And, I am totally changing my self-talk in the process. I need to be more positive and change my outlook in order to get the results that I want. Great book! It's really helping!

When I saw the banner on the cover - Decontaminate difficult people at work without using weapons or duct tape - I knew it wasn't going to be the usual self-help cookbook. The author starts with her strongest statement - these people are out there! And we dodge them. So step one is admitting they are there and it's our responsibility - not their "fault" - to develop the right strategies to deal with all six types of toxic people - the Steamrollers, the Zipper Lip, the Backstabber, the KNow it all, and Needy Weenie and the Whine and Cheeser! And what great stories and practical advice she shares with us. I hate self-help books, but I am keeping this one! It's a treasure!

As one of those people who tries to be nice to everyone, I sometimes find people who misinterpret "nice" for "weak" and try to take advantage. Thanks to Marsha Petrie Sue's book on Toxic People, now I know how to handle them. Ever felt totally speechless when an obnoxious person says something rude and uncalled for? This book will not only tell you how to respond, but gives a little emotional boost so you feel good about yourself while you're doing it. Marsha Petrie Sue uses a lot of humor in the book, which makes it a fun read. I highly recommend this book to "nice" people!

Just finished reading "Toxic People" and will order copies for all in my staff. Easy read, fun references and real help for dealing with the day to day annoyances that make work, work.
Highly recommended!

Janita Cooper, CEO
Master Duplicating Corporation

Hugely valuable take aways, all the while given in a humorous, right on target method. Besides arming us with information on how to deal with Toxic People, Marsha demonstrates clearly that if we adopt the 'Take it, leave it, or change it' style our own comfort and happiness will be productively enhanced.

Marsha Petrie Sue asks 'What's your plan?' - My plan is to tell my friends (and others) to get this book as a valuable life management resource. It is a fine (and fun) read.

Dr. L. Rasner

ON 12/9/10 A UNANIMOUS JURY VERDICT IN THE US FEDERAL COURT FOUND MARSHA PETRIE SUE GUILTY OF COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT IN HER "TOXIC PEOPLE" BOOK WHERE SHE INCLUDED MATERIAL BY DR. LILLIAN GLASS.

Rather than live with people who disrupt your organization here is a book that helps you identify them, get them back on the right track or fire them. There is nothing magical or mystical about dealing with Toxic People other than everyday common sense. The examples of dealing with these Toxins are excellent