Work 101: Learning the Ropes of the Workplace without Hanging Yourself [Paperback]

Elizabeth Freedman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 3, 2007

In this straight-talking guide, MBA Elizabeth Freedman—an expert in corporate etiquette—shares the rules of the workplace that only veterans know: survival secrets that will help you avoid the common mistakes that can sink careers at the gate. From getting a seat at the meeting table to dealing with a demanding boss, from talking salary in a performance review to what not to say at a business function, Work 101 tells you everything you need to know to master the (shameless) art of climbing the corporate ladder.


• Manage the manager—how to survive any type of boss, including the Boss from Hell
• Master the art of introduction—have them at hello!
• Create winning e-mails that actually get read—and tips for avoiding on-screen blunders and other career-ending disasters
• How to handle a “cube invader”
• What not to order, wear, or say at a business lunch
• The real rules for dressing business casual—what to wear and when
• How not to be clueless about promotions and (bigger) bonuses
• The five steps to employee-boss success—including the top-ten things to listen to and observe
• How to avoid burning your bridges (and other great exit strategies)…and much, much more!

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Elizabeth Freedman, MBA, is an award-winning speaker, author, and owner of a corporate training and development firm. She works with organizations to transform their new professionals into successful employees, and her articles about work and life choices for students and young professionals are frequently featured on Collegeboard.com and TopMBA.com. She lives in Natick, Massachusetts, with her husband and son.

Product Details

• Paperback: 273 pages
• Publisher: Delta; 1 edition (April 3, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0385340753
• ISBN-13: 978-0385340755
• Product Dimensions: 5.3 x 0.6 x 8.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #649,415 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars For every college senior, June 19, 2007

By 

Leonore K. Linsky "Librarian" (Newton, MA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Work 101: Learning the Ropes of the Workplace without Hanging Yourself (Paperback)

Work 101 is a must read for everyone graduating college and planning to enter the workforce. It's all those things that the student's parents and teachers can't tell them. With much good natured humor, Ms Freedman tells it like it is without being preachy. She's on your side and really wants to help you be a success in the workplace. She covers such topics as appropriate dress and behavior, networking, communication skills and workplace etiquette A great gift for your college graduate All college placement offices should make
their students read this book.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not Just For New Workers, April 1, 2008

By 

Sue Bee - See all my reviews

This review is from: Work 101: Learning the Ropes of the Workplace without Hanging Yourself (Paperback)

Work 101 helped me to see how I could network more effectively and how I could use the opportunities I now have at work. For example, I never thought about how to use meetings to my advantage. I suppose I always assumed that just being good at my job is enough--but not how to let my supervisor know that. Work 101 has lots of useful suggestions for someone who's been in the workforce a while as well as for someone just getting started in a career. The writing style is engaging and entertaining.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sage advice for everyone--not just new graduates!, April 1, 2008

By 

L. Myka - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Work 101: Learning the Ropes of the Workplace without Hanging Yourself (Paperback)

In an easy-to-read format and with spunk and wit fully intact, Ms. Freedman addresses the "how to" of making a new work situation a successful one for both you and your employer. She offers answers to a lot of those questions professionals have that frequently go unanswered, such as what is "business casual" attire anyway and what is the best manner in which to handle a difficult colleague or boss. There is also a lot of wisdom to be found in those sections addressing appropriate uses of email, how to make good (and sustained) impressions on your boss and fellow employees, how to discuss salary increases, and leaving a job gracefully.

Having worked with both undergraduate business majors and long-time professionals, I think all of us can benefit from the information in "Work 101". These are not the lessons learned in college courses but life lessons many of us require, whether we're fresh out of college or have been climbing the corporate ladder for some time. Ms. Freedman acknowledges something that most of us prefer not to admit: that doing well in the workplace isn't just about how well you do your job but that success in the workplace is judged on dozens of other aspects as well, including the flip-flops you wore on casual Friday.

A must-read for anyone striving for a long and prosperous career.