The No Asshole Rule: Building a Civilized Workplace and Surviving One That Isn't
Robert I. Sutton, PhD
Business Plus, 2007 ISBN 978-0-446-52656-2
210 pgs.
"Asshole" is a pretty blunt word, I know, but let's face it: no matter if you call "difficult people" "jerks", "petty tyrants", "bullies", "knuckleheads", or whatever, they're still assholes, but there is good news.
Dr. Sutton provides us with a very useful guide in dealing with these workplace creeps in this highly readable book. I learned that the best way to deal with assholes is to avoid having anything to do with them, or, if that's not possible, be very firm and assertive as to what behaviors are acceptable and what is not. I also learned that sometimes I can be an asshole sometimes myself, and how to recognize and control my "inner jerk".
Here's a tactic I learned from one of my past mentors on how to deal with these people.
HOWARD: Why you acting like that? You can't talk to me that way!
ALBERT: You know Howard, I am truly blessed.
HOWARD: What you mean?
ALBERT: I don't need your approval.
This usually leaves them speechless, or provokes them further. Always keep your cool. Let them rage, then say "Thank you" and walk away. Trying to reason with a hothead is futile. A lot of times they want a fight to prove to themselves how righteous they are. Don't give it to them. For the sake of your own mental wellness, don't buy into their own negativity. Just say "thank you" and pray for their happiness...SOMEWHERE ELSE.
Anyway, visit the author's blog:
Tell him TJS sent you.
Stay Free,
TJS
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