Get Out of Your Own Way at Work...And Help Others Do the Same: Conquer Self-Defeating Behavior on the Job

by Mark Goulston

The co-author of Get Out of Your Own Way goes on-the-job.

Whether it's a simple breach of etiquette or fear of learning new things, expecting too much from employees or failure to delegate, self-defeating behavior is the most common reason people put their jobs and reputations in jeopardy. In quick, to-the-point chapters, Goulston explains that if a professional does one or more of the following, they're getting in their own way-and limiting their success:

- Expecting thier boss to appreciate them
- Letting fear of failure paralyze them
- Procrastinating and wasting time
- Making excuses and getting defensive
- Failing to delegate
- Fearing performance reviews (either giving them or getting them)

Covering 40 of the most common self-defeating behaviors, this new book shows how to change behaviors-from self-defeating to career-enhancing.

Genres: Self Help, Psychology, Nonfiction, Management, Business, Personal Development, Leadership

256 pages, Paperback

Published October 3, 2006

About the author

MARK GOULSTON, M.D., is a business psychiatrist and consultant, author of the bestselling Just Listen, and subject of the PBS special “Just Listen with Dr. Goulston.” He writes a Tribune syndicated career column; blogs for Fast Company, Business Insider, Huffington Post, and Psychology Today; and is featured frequently in major media including The Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, Fortune, Newsweek, CNN, NPR, and Fox News.

Reviews

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dr. Mark Goulston has written an excellent book whose advice is as timely today as it was when it was first published in 2006. Its predecessor, Get Our of Your Own Way (co-authored by Goulston and Philip Goldberg), provided a great deal of salient information for dealing with the self-centeredness that prevents us as humans from having good relationships with others, whether in the family circle or at work. Goulston himself follows the philosophies of pragmatism and empiricism; he wants to know what works, what doesn't work, and why.

This book's focus is wider in scope that the previous book. Here, Goulston notes that the same principles can help make better workers, managers, HR personnel, and CEOs. Goulston consistently stresses the importance of having a positive self-image and mindset; this helps avoid the self-defeating behaviors that sabotage the workplace such as procrastination, not delegating properly, getting defensive, and making excuses. In all, 40 of such behaviors are discussed in the book. Understanding the cause and effect of such behaviors can prevent confrontations at the workplace when we face threats, whether real or perceived.

Goulston directly addresses the reader, and this proves very effective in getting his point across. He shares his no-nonsense thoughts, empathic feelings, and practical suggestions without getting in his reader's way. If you enjoyed this book, you might also check out the following books: Robert Sutton's The No Asshole Rule: Building a Civilized Workplace and Surviving One That Isn't and Good Boss, Bad Boss: How to Be the Best...and Learn from the Worst.

[Leslie Graff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite my high rating, I'm somewhat on the fence on this book. I like the format of small chunks of advice and coverage of many, many topics, but I'm not sure that the approach does much to actually address any of the work problems addressed. It feels like the kind of thing that you could read a lesson or two a week and make improvements so long as you're not really struggling with any of these issues. If you need more than a simple overview, you're going to need more than this book provides.

However, I do like the exercises provided for each topic and the general grounding in psychology.

This is the kind of reference book to have on hand to pick up and browse a chapter or two every now and then as a sort of "tune-up" or refresher on issues that you more fully explore elsewhere.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author provides 30 self-defeating behaviors that many people tend to use, not realizing it will prevent them from being successful or completing their goals. About half of the behaviors I was happy to find I did not do, but there were definitely some that I needed to work on and I appreciated the author's tips on how to overcome the behavior. Also, you will soon realize that these self-defeating behaviors don't just show up in the workplace; you bring them along with you wherever you go. In those cases you are getting out of your own way in Life.

Recommended.

[Leann Connell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this. Some of it is obvious but good to re solidify. Overall I recommend and have recommended it to a couple colleagues.

[Azzia · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are good ideas here. It’s about being responsible and talking to people rather than at them. We do make more sound choices when grounded and connected.

[Kai Palchikoff]

The co-author of Get Out of Your Own Way goes on-the-job. Whether it's a simple breach of etiquette or fear of learning new things, expecting too much from employees or failure to delegate, self-defeating behavior is the most common reason people put their jobs and reputations in jeopardy. In quick, to-the-point chapters, Goulston explains that if a professional does one or more of the following, they're getting in their own way-and limiting their success: - Expecting thier boss to appreciate them - Letting fear of failure paralyze them - Procrastinating and wasting time - Making excuses and getting defensive - Failing to delegate - Fearing performance reviews (either giving them or getting them) Covering 40 of the most common self-defeating behaviors, this new book shows how to change behaviors-from self-defeating to career-enhancing.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

So. Useful. And not stupid. I got this from the library and now I've bought a copy for my office.

[Britty Kitty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good advice. I could pinpoint myself or someone I work(ed) with for pretty much every point.