Beyond Bullsh*t: Straight-Talk at Work (Hardcover)

~ Samuel Culbert (Author)
Key Phrases: active questioning, Home Depot, Don't Kill the Bosses, Mind-Set Management

Editorial Reviews

Review

'this book helps us recognise office politics gone wrong, and encourages relationships built on trust and commitment.' publishing news '... captivating ... management books usually provide a depressing mirror image of the bullshit emanating from their subject matter, the workplace. culbert's book is certainly a refreshing step beyond it.' management today "... this is a book about building 'straight talk' relationships at work, and it's very good at that." supply management 'i enjoyed being able to relate the book to many work situations, especially in the sections that focused on building and developing straight-talk relationships with your boss...' human resources '... no-nonsense office manual' esquire [ ! front cover copy ! ] beyond bullsh*t samuel a culbert foreword by warren bennis straight-talk at work [!kp logo] [! stanford logo] [ ! spine ! ] [!stanford logo[ culbert beyond bullsh*t [ ! kp logo ! ] [! front flap!] s traight-talk at work! grumblings in offi ces everywhere suggest that there is not much that we crave more, but don't get often enough. beyond bullsh*t reveals the dynamics of bullsh*t and why it has become the corporate etiquette of choice. it also explains how telling it straight contributes to personal well-being and business success. this book is for people who wonder what it's going to take to get rid of the constant deception and obfuscation that, at the end of the work day, leaves them feeling beaten up, confused, and even a little dirty. it is also for the people greeting them at home, wondering "what's going on that takes such a toll?" pressed for an answer, many explain "it's all the bullsh*t i have to endure." even people who disdain deception fi nd themselves involved in it. they respond to bullsh*t with more of the same. after decades of research and consulting, samuel a culbert is convinced that straight-talk at work is possible. but it requires more than luck and willing people. straight-talk is the product of thoughtful, caring relationships built upon trust and a commitment to look out for one another's success. culbert describes this brand of truthfulness as "a caring, other-sensitive, candor-ondemand, loyalty-producing, intimacy-escalating, give-and-take relationship, leading to enhanced (continued on back fl ap) [! back flap!] continued from front fl ap) personal and organizational productivity." from an organizational perspective, there's no greater contribution to operational effectiveness and success than conversations in which people with confl icting viewpoints discuss their differences forthrightly. readers will fi nd this book personal - which is unusual for a "business book"; they will think that many of the stories are about them. they will be engaged and delighted as the text demystifi es the obstacles --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

"In this sober guide to understanding and moving past 'bullsh*t' at work, author and management professor Culbert (Don't Kill the Bosses!) explains the value of and strategy behind 'straight-talk relationships' in the office Unlike others who have tackled the subject (most notably Harry Frankfurt), Culbert emphasizes bullsh*t's vital role in many situations." —Publishers Weekly

"Culbert, a professor of management, points out that "telling the truth" can be just as one-sided and manipulative as the self-serving posturing he calls "bullsh*t." To send an honest message that actually reaches listeners, the teller requires a preestablished relationship of trust and a listener who is willing to improve. The teller needs to offer only the truth she sees and to frame the message according to the listener's perspectives and goals. If these conditions are not present to at least some degree, Culbert says, people are better off just posturing. Still, for those willing to make the effort, he adds that reciprocal straight talk can be immensely valuable for an organization and individuals' careers." —Harvard Business Review

"Great, enduring brands demand (and respond to) straight talk from their customers, employees and stakeholders. Sam Culberts book brings that message to life."—Howard Schultz, CEO, Starbucks

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 168 pages
• Publisher: Stanford Business Books (April 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0804758859
• ISBN-13: 978-0804758857
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #568,806 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Communication keys, May 29, 2008

By	Michael P. Maslanka (dallas, texas United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I am an employment lawyer and there are few things more important than clear and honest workplace communication. More lawsuits, wasted time, and ruined careers result from it than anything else. Culbert hits the key issues: workplaces fixated on hierarchical approaches to relationships which result in people saying what the hot shots want to hear not what they need to know; failure to listen and divine the intent of the speaker before formulating a response; and when you do talk making sure that the other understands that you do not believe you have a corner on the truth by using "I - speak"---"I think" or "I belive" or "based on what I know". The book is a bit academic but nonetrheless practical especially when he talks about the outdated system we use for performance reviews which pit boss v. employee, which he woukld like to replace with a collaborative approach. I wish it was so but corporations are driven by fear (HR of lawsuits and hierarchy addicted jerks of losing their status) to change anytime soon. Give it a read.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Positive Leadership, June 24, 2008

By	K. Miller Cantin "Kim" (Ohio, USA) - See all my reviews

This is a must read book for anyone in an organization - even more so -- if you lead or aspire to lead in that organization!

Culbert's wise words and witty articulations help readers understand the organizational value of the straight-talk relationship and ways to frame discussion that can help foster more of "it".

His "I-speak" and the innovative performance "pre-view" process are a must read for any leader. Personally, I have found that I have been able to integrate and develop more substantially as an organizational and people leader since reading Culbert's book. It also helped me understand the mysteries of an organization that often felt frustrating.

Although new - this book is showing up in offices all over my organization and has already started to make a positive organizational impact: more straight-talk and trusting relationships and the dialogue to get there.

6 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring and Wise, April 2, 2008

By	Robert I. Sutton "Stanford Professor and Author" (Stanford University, CA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I was lucky enough to read a pre-publication version of Sam Culbert's book. I was taken with by the power of Sam's arguments and evidence for truth-telling in organizational life. I was equally taken with the power and charm of Sam's writing voice and personal experiences. I was delighted to endorse the book and encourage anyone who strives to become an effective and ethical leader or follower to read this lovely piece of work.