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Office Politics & Interpersonal - BooksOther Book Categories: Bad Bosses, Bullying, Career Management, Difficult Co-Workers, Email, Internet & Privacy, Employee Rights, Government Agencies & Materials, Harassment & Discrimination, Office Politics & Interpersonal, Problem Employees, Reports & Surveys, Salaries & Compensation, Self Assessment & Management, Workplace Psychology The books in the category "Office Politics & Interpersonal" are listed below. Any books you purchase after following one of the links from our site helps support us through a small commission paid by Amazon.com, and we encourage review comments to help others decide which books are most appropriate. Gray Matters : The Workplace Survival Guide 
Reviewer/Reader Feedback: "None of the insights are new: we all know that people resist change, don't walk the talk, don't understand their business, aren't team players, ad infinitum. But most business books are either too dense to read easily or are too trite to be relative. Gray Matters is in between and comes close to a bulls eye. I especially like its part 3: 'the Seven Deadly Workplace Sins.'"
Reviewer/Reader Feedback: "Best Conflict Book Available. This is the best book on dealing with your fears of conflict every written. Dr. Ursiny speaks in a language that is easy to understand and easy to internalize. Rarely has a book make such a strong impact on the way that I live my life. I will recommend it to everyone."
Reviewer Reader Feedback: "While the strategic steps seem initially complex, they are very logical and lead to a positive conclusion: creating a merit-based work environment to replace a culture driven by political posturing. In the end, the company, the employees and the shareholders all benefit. A good read for anyone in business -- especially those who pursue the executive ranks."
The Verbally Abusive Relationship: How to Recognize it and How to Respond 
Reviewer/Reader Feedback: "This book was extremely well-written and to the point. It was so helpful to see the same behaviors I had observed documented in the book. The author not only describes verbal abuse but explains the typical perspective of both the abuser and the abused. Having an understanding of these perspectives is invaluable and key to understanding the dynamics of the verbally abusive relationship. Thankfully the author was not content to stop these, but went on to describe responses to the abuser that have been tested in real world situations."
Rude Awakenings : Overcoming the Civility Crisis in the Workplace 
"As a retired operations VP for a firm dealing exclusively with Fortune 500 companies, I was amazed at the insights Gonthier has into the lack of civility so common in today's workplace and into the causes of that lack of civility. And as a consumer and a customer, I was impressed by the breadth of her understanding of the stress and rudeness we all face in today's world and the straightforwardness of her approach to addressing and reducing those problems. While she does have a thorough and extremely helpful chapter on specific breaches of etiquette, this is really not a book on business etiquette. It is about how profitable it would be for all of us if we all treated each other with basic respect."
Reviewer/Reader Feedback: "In Games Companies Play, Gerry Griffin and Ciaran Parker reveal how to play, and better still, win in the messy, murky and sometimes downright dirty office games that accompany our working lives. Drawing on the methodology explored in The Power Game and further explored in their much sought-after workshops, Games Companies Play is the answer to surviving those bruising and emotional encounters we all experience in our working world."
Toxic Emotions at Work: How Compassionate Managers Handle Pain and Conflict 
Reviewer/Reader Feedback: "The title is pretty self-explanatory, and the book is a marvelous description of an emerging phenomenon that results from complex and challenging work environments. The notion of toxic organizations isn't new, everyone has a story about one. What is new is the way leaders and managers are trying to deal with toxicity in organizations. As more and more managers develop their authenticity at work, they become more and more open to the swirling currents of emotion that surround them. Mangers who help to manage these currents in organizations become "toxin handlers" and require a whole set of strategies aimed at preserving their health and the health and compassion of the organization."
You Want Me to Do What?: When, Where, and How to Draw the Line at Work 
Reviewer/Reader Feedback: "DeMars [the author] is practical, practical, practical. She tackles the most confudling dilemmas at work and provides an ethical compass to resolve them. You can always quit, but why not resolve the dilemmas and keep your job, too? I didn't always agree with her, but DeMars got me talking to my coworkers and my boss about what was the best solution-which was exactly DeMars' purpose for writing the book in the first place, I suspect. Yes, sometimes good employees do bad things--so here's what you do when it happens."
Who's Pulling Your Strings?: How to Break the Cycle of Manipulation and Regain Control of Your Life 
Reviewer/Reader Feedback: "Text exposes the most common methods manipulative people use to control others, and reminds us that it takes at least two people to allow such a relationship to function. Includes self-assessment quizzes, action plans, and how-to exercises to empower you to escape the web of others' control. DLC: Manipulative behavior."
Tongue Fu! : How to Deflect, Disarm, & Difuse Any Verbal Conflict 
Reviewer/Reader Feedback: "Dealing with difficult people is a part of everyday life. However, by focusing on real-life responses to verbal challenges instead of theories and platitudes, the author has delivered a convenient handbook for the mental martial art of verbal self-protection. Divided into four sections, the book offers techniques and skills for responding thoughtfully in conflicts, expressing honest feelings and goals, seeking cooperation in difficult situations, and living a life of value during trying times. Each of the 30 chapters offers examples that demonstrate the expected goals and acquired skills in action."
The Art of Speed Reading People: How to Size People Up and Speak Their Language 
Reviewer/Reader Feedback: "This book ably explains the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. With a little practice, you can quickly identify your own personality type and that of anyone you meet. If you are already familiar with the Myers-Briggs model, much of this book will be old news. If you aren't familiar with it, and if you want to learn how to "SpeedRead" people according to this theory, this book will benefit you. The authors go into great detail about the four temperaments and the sixteen personality types within them. We from getAbstract recommend this as a book for purposeful study. However, even if you only read it once, you will learn something about yourself or the people around you.
Reviewer/Reader Feedback: "a guide to dealing with bullies, backstabbers, incompetents, harassers, and other office offenders. Every office has one...and sometimes, more than one. They can make you dread getting up in the morning even if you like your job-and they can interfere with everyone's efficiency and productivity. Dr. Leonard Felder explains how to deal with them, get the respect you deserve, manage relationships, and keep the workday running smoothly."
Reviewer/Reader Feedback: "I've had to deal with several jerks, overbearing bosses, narcissistic-types, etc. in the past 20 years or so, and I have to say I wish I had this book before I met these creeps. I still have to deal with some ..., but they aren't much trouble any more. Jay gives CLEAR instructions on how to deal with these kinds of people, written in easy-to-understand language."
In Sheep's Clothing: Understanding and Dealing With Manipulative People 
Reviewer/Reader Feedback: "This book is an excellent tool for anyone manipulated by a covert aggressive personality... I never knew there was a model for this personality type! This is an excellent book for all to read, should you ever come across a covert manipulative personality that stops at nothing to get what they want, yet somehow makes it look like it's not them. They're not hurting, stressed out or insecure, they're just going to get things the way they want!"
Reviewer/Reader Feedback: "Scott Adams has nailed corporate America. If you have spent any time at all working for a big corporation, you will find this book to be very funny. The comic strips are always pretty humorous, but what I found also to be very funny was the text in this book, specifically describing the various corporate functions such as engineering, marketing, sales, and of course general management... The way he describes typical business situations, like the ongoing balancing act between engineering products and marketing them, is eerily accurate, and very funny."
The Mafia Manager : A Guide to the Corporate Machiavelli 
Reviewer/Reader Feedback: "If you're looking for some basic guidelines on how to behave at work to move ahead, or if you believe your coworkers are actually your "friends" then get this book right away. The strength of this book is how it describes in lay man terms what you need to do to survive and thrive, and despite the mention of the word mafia in the title I didn't find the tactics in this book evil.
Reviewer/Reader Feedback: "I've seen a lot of books and training programs that purport to teach people to be more effective communicators. Most teach tried-and-true, but old-and-generic, understandings and skills that help people become somewhat more effective. They do not, however, teach people to be really effective in those few important communication challenges that really matter. That is the contribution of Crucial Conversations. In my consulting practice, I've noticed repeatedly that many managers and executives don't take on the tough issues or don't handle them well or, even worse, handle them in a way that creates positive harm in their relationship with others. When I talk to them about their situations, I find that they know they can be better communicators on tough issues; they just don't know how! That's where Crucial Conversations adds real value."
How to Work With Just About Anyone: A 3-Step Solution for Getting Difficult People to Change 
Reviewer/Reader Feedback: "Lucy Gill presents a new approach to dealing with problem people at work that is simple, fresh and extremely useful. The bottom line? Stop using the same old methods that don't work for you. If you want to see new results, you've got to employ some of the new tricks put forth here. This book will help you, whether you are stumped on dealing with a boss or employee. If you have ever felt frustrated by a bully, nerd, lightweight, arrogant or some other problem-causing co-worker, then here is your book."
Dealing With People You Can't Stand 
Reviewer/Reader Feedback: "If we can't control our own behavior for our own good, how can we control someone else's especially when that person's obnoxious ways satisfies some perverse need? Some books on interpersonal conflict recommend that the reader resort to planning biting comebacks or simply ignoring the offending party. Rick and Rick offer more positive and healthier solutions (such as being more empathetic without being a punching bag) that if implemented will help the reader stay sane when under attack and eventually learn to stay above the fray."
Emotional Blackmail: When the People in Your Life Use Fear, Obligation, and Guilt to Manipulate You 
Reviewer/Reader Feedback: "Susan Forward presents the anatomy of a relationship damaged by manipulation, and gives readers an arsenal of tools to fight back. In her clear, no-nonsense style, Forward provides powerful, practical strategies for blackmail targets, including checklists, practice scenarios and concrete communications techniques that will strengthen relationships and break the blackmail cycle for good."
Toxic Coworkers: How to Deal with Dysfunctional People on the Job 
Reviewer/Reader Feedback: "This book examines personality disorders in the context of the workplace. It explains why that jerk in accounting is a jerk. It also tells you what to do when confronting these type of people. It's a interesting, well written book, for anyone with problems with people at work or anyone interested in personality disorders."
Reviewer/Reader Feedback: "Adams, creator of the popular comic strip Dilbert, continues the satirical look at office life that he began with The Dilbert Principle (1996). Being a weasel encompasses everything that we hate about our coworkers as well as all the sneaky, time-wasting activities that we ourselves engage in just to avoid doing actual work. Here's his take on getting ahead by sucking up to the boss: "The great thing about being a sycophant is there's no deception going on. You know you're a weasel, your boss knows you're a weasel, and your coworkers know you're a weasel. Yet the method still works like a charm." The book is filled with lots of to-the-point Dilbert strips with appearances from all the regular characters, and (supposed) actual e-mails from readers about the absurd things that go on in the workplace. This book is best left on your desk to read in snippets for comic relief from the inane culture of office life."
Reviewer/Reader Feedback: "What distinguishes this book from the competition is the authors' commitment to an ethical, principled approach to the political game, which I found to be refreshing and positive. So often, the choice is presented as "stop worrying about being nice and get out there and win!" Instead, the Dobsons show why having principles, being honest, and treating others with dignity and respect can be a source of political strength and effective results, and why the archetypical Machiavellian office politician often comes to a bad end."
Reviewer/Reader Feedback: "In a market flooded with advice on interpersonal relationships and the conflicts inherent in relationships, Crowe's book is refreshing in its common-sense approach...In a market flooded with advice on interpersonal relationships and the conflicts inherent in relationships, Crowe's book is refreshing in its common-sense approach."
Reviewer/Reader Feedback: "Designed as an at-a-glance reference tool, this 10-part guide describes 10 kinds of culprits, from tyrants, bullies, and sadists to the pushy and presumptuous to connivers and camouflagers. Each type is first defined, allowing for a peek inside the heads of both victim and victimizer and offering a helpful strategy for facilitating tactful dialogues that serves as excellent advice for diffusing workplace tensions and hostilities. You may recognize these types as thorns in your side or--worse--real threats to your sense of well-being and work performance. This reference book packs a wallop, not only restoring your self-esteem but allowing you to create better relationships with the people at work who make your life miserable."
Neanderthals at Work: How People and Politics Can Drive You Crazy...and What You Can Do About Them 
Reviewer/Reader Feedback: "I bought my first copy thinking that all those people causing me stress at work were "Neanderthals" As I read, I learned that all work centers have- and need each of three basic types, and to the other types in the office, I am their "Neanderthal" Very empowering, give a copy to you you boss, and to your favorite and least favorite co-worker. I'm replacing my own copy, as it never gets returned when borrowed, only passed off to others. Good Reading, fast, to the point
Reviewer/Reader Feedback: "Roy Lubit's new book is an exciting breakthrough for anyone who has ever had a boss! It's hard to remember that bosses are only people. This book helps you understand what makes them tick, their different styles, how you can manage them effectively from below, and how to get everyone working on the same team. Lubit's secret ingredient is his incisive knowledge of how people and organizations work. A must read!"
How to Deal with Emotionally Explosive People 
Reviewer/Reader Feedback: "This manual is designed for anyone who lives with, works with, or deals with emotionally explosive people. The personalities described as "Walking Time Bombs" react to stress with emotional explosions into anger, sadness or fear. Albert J. Bernstein examines how to cope with these people, offering strategies for dealing with all types of emotional outbursts and over-reactions. He distinguishes between "hot anger", which involves anger that explodes into any form of violence, including everything from verbal outbursts to bodily harm, and "cold anger", which involves explosions into withdrawal, rejection and disapproval. The volume also discusses how to predict violence, and where and when to get help."
Thank You for Being Such a Pain: Spiritual Guidance for Dealing With Difficult People 
Reviwer/Reader Feedback: "In a clear, conversational tone, Rosen covers seemingly every possible reason, response, interpretation and lesson that can be attached to unpleasant relationships. They can serve as mirrors, wake-up calls or chances to stand up for ourselves or to become more forgiving. They can help us develop 'latent qualities,' rectify the past or prepare for the future. With quotes, summaries and exercises throughout this thoughtful book, Rosen thoroughly explores new ways to view personal conflicts and to use them for healing."
Reviewer/Reader: "She discusses various types of behavior: hostile-aggressive, procrastinating, negative-complaining, and arrogant. An "Action Outline" is provided to solve problems effectively, and a separate chapter treats communication differences between men and women employees. The approach used throughout is how to get along, not get even. Filled with examples of various types of personalities in numerous situations, this book proves valuable to both the employee and the manager."
Jerks at Work: How to Deal With People Problems and Problem People 
Reviwer/Reader Feedback: "Finally, a book that honestly identifies and analyzes that prolific workplace species - the jerk. Organized by situation and topic, Jerks at Work presents the answers to at least 200 jerk-related questions from real-life readers that were originally published in author Ken Lloyd's syndicated On the Job column. The book is psychologically sound, excruciatingly direct, extremely funny and, above all, actually helpful. Lloyd does a splendid job of covering all the bases and every kind of jerk, from the boardroom to the mailroom."
Surviving in the Jungle of Office Politics 
Reviewer/Reader Feedback: "This is the first book spoken from an employees point of view. I was tired of hearing it from a PHD, who may understand human personality, but has never worked in an office for others, and Jill's book tells it like it is. From winning an argument, to taking a stand for what you believe in, Jill's book really drives it home. I really enjoyed it and have recommended it to many of my friends trying to make it in this world with some dignity."
Reviewer/Reader Feedback: "I bought this book after finding out that working hard, and STAYING OUT of office politics was getting me NOWHERE, AND HURTING MY CAREER. Especially since I work in an organization where it seems that office politics is all that many employees are thinking about! The book discusses the ineveitability of office politics, and gives you an extensive test to find out how "political" you are yourself...Once you have examined your own potential at office politics, the book tells you every possible strategy to get on your boss's good side."
Work It Out: Clues for Solving People Problems at Work 
Reviwer/Reader Feedback: "we are working our way through the book chapter-by-chapter; one chapter each week. 30 to 45 minutes of each Monday morning Staff meeting are devoted to discussion of the issues in the "current" chapter; what each person's "type" value is, and how those values contribute and frustrate the values of others. We are six weeks into this project. Conflicts issues between staff that used to cause friction and frustration are simply melting away as the chapters drop away. Staff openly discuss disagreements as conflicts in Type; and allow each other to have different views."
What Would Machiavelli Do? The Ends Justify the Meanness 
Reviewer/Reader Feedback: "Bing gleefully offers hard-boiled Machiavellian advice about whom to fire in a downsizing (consultants first, secretaries last), how to make employees love you ("Give them perks.... When they're spending your money, you own them"), and why it's important that you also kick ass (one of the ways: "cutting them off curtly when they speak") and take names (so people know you'll not only hurt them, you'll also go after their friends). The overriding lesson of this book is always to love yourself, never apologize for anything you do, and when all else fails, recognize that the truth is flexible, and so can be bent any way you want. What makes all this amorality funny is that Bing plays it straight, putting his ruthless advice into an easily digestible how-to format."
The Gentle Art of Verbal Self-Defense 
Reviewer/Reader Feedback: "Suzette Haden Elgin, nationally recognized linguistics expert and author, applies her acclaimed techniques for combating verbal violence to common on-the-job situations. Forceful yet non-threatening, her proven strategies will empower workers of every level to recognize verbal abuse, gently defuse it, and replace it with courteous and effective communication."
Power Freaks: Dealing With Them in the Workplace or Anyplace 
Reviewer/Reader Feedback: "So many offices have a boss who seems to find pleasure in humiliating workers or a manipulating employee who sabotages coworkers behind their backs. These kinds of people come in many disguises. This book is an analysis of why people act this way, how to recognize them and how to develop a strategy for getting along with them.:
Dinosaur Brains: Dealing With All Those Impossible People at Work 
Reviewer/Reader Feedback: "This book deals with irrational thinking and unconscious motivation at the office--"because people at work aren't always the rational creatures that other management books talk about." The authors cover basic personnel management theory and argue that people's irrational and emotional acts are based on primitive fight, flight, and fright responses--all part of the "dinosaur brain." They identify situations when such behavior is taking place and offer suggestions for what to do when coworkers behave in this manner. Although the basic information may be available in other sources, it is presented clearly and with the right amount of humor in this book."
Reviewer/Reader Feedback: "This book divides difficult people into seven different types namely "hostile-aggressives", "complainers", "silent and unreasponsives", "super-agreeables", "negativists", "know-it-all experts" and "indecisives". Each type of behavior is explained and real-world examples of each in action are given. The forte of the book is how it explains how to cope effectively with each type. In my dealings with others, I've found that the coping advice given is right on target." |
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