When You Work for a Bully: Assessing Your Options and Taking Action [Paperback]

Susan Futterman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 2004

For employees who are tired of constant confrontation, this book provides instructions for leaving an abusive situation in the workplace in a dignified way and moving on in a manner that is financially practical. Employees learn the numerous exit strategies available to get out of the abusive work situation, along with the benefits and drawbacks of each. From the decision-making process that will determine an employee’s next steps to the information needed to implement this decision, this book provides the data and resources to make those difficult choices as well as the knowledge required to set them into action. Advice on everything from knowing how to identify a bully to utilizing self-defense tactics and budgeting finances enables bullied employees to take control of complicated and uncomfortable situations.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Inspired by her own experience with a workplace bully, Futterman (Self-Defense for Men and Women) describes in familiar detail the emotions, actions and toll on life that an overbearing boss can take. She explains how to spot the signs of bullying, distinguish between a bully and a negative manager, and understand how serious it is-"Of those targeted by bullies, 41 percent were diagnosed with depression and more than 80 percent reported effects that prevented them from being effective at work (severe anxiety, lost concentration, sleeplessness, etc.)." She provides suggestions for dealing with bullies, addresses cases in which legal action might be in order and offers realistic advice for preparing to leave a job, noting that "leaving your job without another one waiting is stressful...but if you don't take a deep breath, marshal your forces and do what it takes to move forward, you're likely to regret it later." The tone of the book is appropriate-neither overly sensitive nor dismissive. Anecdotes from victims of workplace bullying underscore the author's points, illustrate bullies' traits and create a framework of support for the reader.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

About the Author

Susan Futterman has worked as a writer and editor for Investor’s Business Daily and as a business reporter for the Omaha World-Herald, California Business Magazine, and the Hayward Daily Review. She is the author of Self-Defense for Men and Women and Using CompuServe to Make You Rich. She lives in San Francisco, California.

Product Details

• Paperback: 248 pages
• Publisher: Croce Publishing (August 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0971953880
• ISBN-13: 978-0971953888
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #869,943 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

I'm a longtime business journalist (now in financial communications)who wrote my How to Work for a Bully after suffering through the experience for far longer than I should have.

My husband, three cats and I now live happily ever after in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

40 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A "must read" for every employee and involved professionals, August 16, 2004

By 

Thankful Reader (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: When You Work for a Bully: Assessing Your Options and Taking Action (Paperback)

I found this book very helpful - empowering, informative and compassionate. It is a comprehensive plan of action packed with ample practical advice, extensive listings of resources and bibliography. In her book, Susan Futterman points out and discusses multiple options and solutions (how to maintain healthcare coverage, how to plan and reallocate financial resources, how to apply for disability if need arises, how to pursue legal remedies, how to fight attempts of blacklisting etc) which can be easily overlooked by someone distressed by workplace bullying.

This book enables workers to remain in proactive control of their careers and lives, to overcome emotional, financial and professional damage caused by workplace bullying/mobbing and to successfully move on after such devastating experience. What a huge amount of time and effort it must've taken for the author to research all this information and to put it together. Thank you.

I wholeheartedly recommend this "anti-bullying guide" not only to those who already found themselves in a hostile workplace situation, but also to any employed individuals (workplace bullying remains widespread; often it's a matter of being in the wrong place at the wrong time - and it never hurts to be prepared) as well as to those in a position to assist people targeted by bullying - therapists, counselors, legal specialists, employment agents, arbitrators, HR professionals, and others supposed to handle such situations and to facilitate the process of "moving on" for their clients. Being "armed" with this information will make your help much more effective.

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars When You Work for a Bully, October 8, 2004

By 

Nancy - See all my reviews

This review is from: When You Work for a Bully: Assessing Your Options and Taking Action (Paperback)

This is an excellent book for helping an employee understand what bullying is and how to deal with it before it affects a persons health and well-being. Ms. Futterman's book outlines the options you have when confronted with a bully at work. I highly recommend it for anyone in the workplace who may be feeling undue stress brought on by bullying managers or co-workers.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars From self-defense to exit strategies, March 17, 2006

By 

D. Donovan, Editor/Sr. Reviewer "California B... (California, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: When You Work for a Bully: Assessing Your Options and Taking Action (Paperback)

Employees who work for a bully face daily and constant confrontation with little recourse - but WHEN YOU WORK FOR A BULLY: ASSESSING YOUR OPTIONS AND TAKING ACTION offers such recourse, from exit strategies to leave an abusive situation to learning how to identify a bully and utilizing self-defense tactics to keep ego intact. From financial concerns to preserving job integrity and seeking government assistance, WHEN YOU WORK FOR A BULLY juxtaposes case history examples with practical tips. Very highly recommended: it provides specifics rather than theory.