The Woman's Workplace Survival Guide [Paperback]

Sarah Kaip (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 2005

The Woman’s Workplace Survival Guide is the kind of book you read and wonder where it was hiding when you started your career. In it you will find advice on how to deal with everyday workplace issues that could otherwise turn into catastrophic events.

Both men and women deal with the topics discussed in this book, but women seem to experience them more intensely. Women, more than men, tend to have unrealistic expectations, say "yes" when they mean "no," take criticism personally, let conflicts escalate into major battles, and fail to ask for what they want in the workplace.

The first section, "Surviving Coworkers," offers profiles of typical problem people in the workplace—prima donnas, passive-aggressive coworkers, gossips, arrogant people, complainers, whiners, cynics, and bullies to name just a few.

The second section, "Surviving Bosses," describes legal issues women face that involve employers and bosses. The goal is to get what you want by diplomatic means. If you want to negotiate a work/life balance arrangement, for example, don’t emphasize how such an arrangement will benefit you. Talk about how it will benefit the company.

The third section, "Surviving Yourself," is for women to reflect on the behaviors, beliefs, and attitudes that might be keeping them from fulfilling their potential. It can be difficult to step back and examine why we are unhappy in our careers, but no one gets what they want by standing in place.

The last section, "Your Ladder to Success," is devoted to self-improvement. After reflecting on where you come from, it’s time to make a plan to go somewhere. This section will help you determine what you want out of your career and how you can get it.

Each of the short 42 chapters is divided into two parts: the first part outlines the problem, while the second part offers solutions.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A must-read for women looking for ways to maneuver through the inevitable maze of interpersonal challenges in the workplace." -- Lois P. Frankel, Ph.D., Author of Nice Girls Don't Get the Corner Office and Nice Girls Don't Get Rich

"A straightforward, no bull, method of presenting this information in an often humorous, always inspiring way." -- Tami Brady, BookIdeas.com

About the Author

Sarah Kaip wrote this book to give women realistic, no-nonsense strategies for dealing with everyday workplace issues. The Woman’s Workplace Survival Guide is based on Kaip’s own tumultuous career, although she does not refer to herself or her career specifically. Like many people, she felt victimized by the corporate world.

The only thing she had going for her was two patient and understanding mentors. With their help, she learned how to deal with people and problems in the workplace with maturity, sensitivity, and self-awareness. She is successful today because she made a plan for success. That plan included the same advice she offers in this book.

Kaip has a Bachelor’s degree from Linfield College in McMinnivlle, Oregon and a Master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin. She currently lives in Medford, OR and works as a researcher and writer.

Product Details

• Paperback: 259 pages
• Publisher: Advantage Source (May 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0974383082
• ISBN-13: 978-0974383088
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,434,273 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Is Work a Four Letter Word? It Doesn't Have to Be!, June 2, 2005

By 

Sandra O'Brien (Oregon, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Woman's Workplace Survival Guide (Paperback)

"On the most basic level, you give your employers 40 hours a week, and the employer gives you a paycheck. But on a deeper level, you give them your personality, character, skills, knowledge, ideas, trust, and loyalty. In return, employers and coworkers give you a sense of belonging, security, personal and professional development, opportunities, and support." When I read that I thought, "WOW! Is that ever right on!"

Author Sarah Kaip certainly knew what she was talking about when she put this book together. Her humor and witty style make reading this guide a pleasure. I have been in the workforce for over thirty years and have seen most of the issues first hand. I have been on both sides of some of the issues, and I sure wish this book had been around sooner.

The information and advice in The Woman's Workplace Survival Guide doesn't just apply to women, or office jobs, but to anyone in the workforce in any position. I have worked in plywood mills, retail stores, television stations, and corporate offices, and the insights and solutions contained in this book cover most of the situations I have found myself in.

I highly recommend this book, it should be required reading curriculum for high school and college students looking to enter the workforce. An excellent book for use in job councils and in rehabilitating displaced workers.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars As good as career advice gets, May 31, 2005

By 

Kathy Neighbers "Kathy" (Pennsylvania) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Woman's Workplace Survival Guide (Paperback)

Even your mother doesn't give advice like this. I wish someone had told me what this author writes when I first started my career. I identified with many of the problems presented in this book. The examples given seemed like scenarios I lived through myself. Her no-nonsense approach to dealing with coworkers cuts through a lot of the office politics and just plain silliness workers endure each day. She also offers several tips on how to get what you want from your boss without making him or her feel threatened.

Perhaps the best parts of the book are the last two sections on "Surviving Yourself" and "Your Ladder to Success." Many women are their own worst enemies. Fear, doubt, self-esteem problems, and lack of know-how keep women at the bottom of the corporate ladder. The ladder part tells women how to get started in their climb to the top. I highly recommend this book.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book really helped me., May 30, 2005

By 

Erica (Orlando, FL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Woman's Workplace Survival Guide (Paperback)

Most career advice books just tell you what to do and not do in the workplace. This book also addresses the internal conflicts women struggle with. This book really helped me make connections between who I am as a person and how that affects what I do in the workplace.

The book teaches two things--one, how to be politically savvy and two, how to be a better person so you can have a better career. I already know how to be politically savvy but my own worries, frustrations, high expectations, and self-esteem are the problems I deal with.

Her chapter on being a perfectionist hit the nail on the head. She helped me realize that love at home is supposed to be unconditional, while love at work is conditional. At work, it's based on our productivity, skills, experience, and education. The author says that admiration and acceptance at work are not necessarily approval of ME, they are approval only of what I DO. If I insist on being perfect, I'm basically teaching people to pay attention to what I do, not who I am.

The book is packed with lots of insight just like this. It's nice to read career advice that delves into how women feel about their careers and about themselves.