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Working Successfully with Screwed-Up People
Teaches people how to get along and work successfully with coworkers, supervisors, customers, and the boss.
272 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2012
57 people are currently reading
416 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
July 27, 2020
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER!!!! NO ONE I CURRENTLY WORK WITH IS SCREWED UP! This is important to say because several of my colleagues at work are also my friends on Goodreads, and I wouldn't want them to get the wrong idea! Here's what happened, friends: This was a book purchased at a travel mart in Pennsylvania for the long road trip home after the holidays, and it was either this or a book of prayers. I was not feeling particularly prayerful that day, so I went with this title. Please don't make E. Brown have to add another question to the FAQ, "What do I do when I find out that my co-worker is reading a book on working with screwed up people!" (-:
My biggest problem with this book is that it contains too much "Yay! Rah! Go Team!" Perhaps I would have found this inspiring in my youth, but at 66-years-old, it smacks too much of the hyperbole of leadership conferences. You know the ones I'm talking about. The conferences your boss attends at company expense and then returns from to put even more work on your already over-crowded plate, usually with great enthusiasm. Sigh.
There is some usefulness to be found within these pages, especially if you are on the younger side of your career. The chapter on generational differences is interesting (though not new if you've been working for awhile) and the chapter on handling bias (any kind -- racial, gender, age, disability) is probably eminently practical for real life, though not radical enough for many of the younger generation that I know. Also the "question and answer" chapter was strong and gave good advice for some sticky day-to-day problems, e.g., "Is it ever okay to engage in an office romance?, "How do I handle it when my cubicle mate brings smelly food into our work space?", "How do I respond to a critical boss who's younger than I am?" For this chapter alone, I would give half a star, so consider this book, 2.5 stars.
I'm selling my copy of this book at Half Price books unless one of my local Goodreads friends wants it, but if the person requesting this book is one of my work colleagues, I'm going to be very suspicious. Am I the screwed up person that's difficult to work with??? Hmm....
My biggest problem with this book is that it contains too much "Yay! Rah! Go Team!" Perhaps I would have found this inspiring in my youth, but at 66-years-old, it smacks too much of the hyperbole of leadership conferences. You know the ones I'm talking about. The conferences your boss attends at company expense and then returns from to put even more work on your already over-crowded plate, usually with great enthusiasm. Sigh.
There is some usefulness to be found within these pages, especially if you are on the younger side of your career. The chapter on generational differences is interesting (though not new if you've been working for awhile) and the chapter on handling bias (any kind -- racial, gender, age, disability) is probably eminently practical for real life, though not radical enough for many of the younger generation that I know. Also the "question and answer" chapter was strong and gave good advice for some sticky day-to-day problems, e.g., "Is it ever okay to engage in an office romance?, "How do I handle it when my cubicle mate brings smelly food into our work space?", "How do I respond to a critical boss who's younger than I am?" For this chapter alone, I would give half a star, so consider this book, 2.5 stars.
I'm selling my copy of this book at Half Price books unless one of my local Goodreads friends wants it, but if the person requesting this book is one of my work colleagues, I'm going to be very suspicious. Am I the screwed up person that's difficult to work with??? Hmm....
March 15, 2025
Very elementary book. May be a good read for high school students to have information about the work world.
June 3, 2012
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
Sometimes people are difficult to get along with, and especially in the workplace. And its just because we are all so very different, and come from different backgrounds. In her book, “Working Successfully with Screwed-Up People, Dr. Elizabeth Brown deals with this issue in detail, helping us all work to get along better with people we work with.
I wish I had read this book while I was still employed at the Medical Clinic I worded for. Working in a payroll office that employees over 10,000 people can get interesting at times. Dr Brown deals with the very simple petty issues all the way to the very serious issues that really cause problems. She gives us many tips, illustrations and so much information that it takes a while to digest. This is truly a book that you need to hang on too for a while. It may help later on down the road, or maybe at another job.
I learned a lot from this book, and found out that sometimes it may not be the other person, but it might be me! Or maybe this issue may not be worth causing so much trouble over, and its better to just ignore it and keep your mouth closed, which is something I have a very difficult time to do.
I can go on and on about this book, but the best thing is for you to grab a copy for yourself to read and see for yourself. And maybe pass along to other co-workers to read. You just can’t get enough of this book.
“Available May 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”
I received this book from Revell Publishers. I was not required or expected to write a positive review. The opinions in this review are my own.
Sometimes people are difficult to get along with, and especially in the workplace. And its just because we are all so very different, and come from different backgrounds. In her book, “Working Successfully with Screwed-Up People, Dr. Elizabeth Brown deals with this issue in detail, helping us all work to get along better with people we work with.
I wish I had read this book while I was still employed at the Medical Clinic I worded for. Working in a payroll office that employees over 10,000 people can get interesting at times. Dr Brown deals with the very simple petty issues all the way to the very serious issues that really cause problems. She gives us many tips, illustrations and so much information that it takes a while to digest. This is truly a book that you need to hang on too for a while. It may help later on down the road, or maybe at another job.
I learned a lot from this book, and found out that sometimes it may not be the other person, but it might be me! Or maybe this issue may not be worth causing so much trouble over, and its better to just ignore it and keep your mouth closed, which is something I have a very difficult time to do.
I can go on and on about this book, but the best thing is for you to grab a copy for yourself to read and see for yourself. And maybe pass along to other co-workers to read. You just can’t get enough of this book.
“Available May 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”
I received this book from Revell Publishers. I was not required or expected to write a positive review. The opinions in this review are my own.
July 5, 2017
A helpful, informative and often humorous book about dealing with difficult people in the work place. Everyone encounters people at work with whom he needs to make an extra effort to develop an effective working relationship. The suggestions may offer sound advice to those with trouble confronting difficult people. For the most part, a lot of methods are elementary and basic psychology. The chapters are nicely organized with insights noted and questions at end of each for reflection. This book is actually not just a work related book but applicable to all people. Part of the book I found humorous related to working with family. I guess because the title referred to working with "screwed up people", which I suppose could include one's family. And so, what does that say about us?
December 5, 2012
This book had a lot of fluff and very little substance.
Even though I read the chapters, all I really needed to do was read the "insights" at the end of the chapter. Most of the book was blabbering, non-relevant examples and then a sentence on what to do without anything to back it up. If you're going to state why I should do something, tell me the benefits of doing so.
I did enjoy chapters 10 and 11 and I thought the book was picking up, but I was wrong.
Even though I read the chapters, all I really needed to do was read the "insights" at the end of the chapter. Most of the book was blabbering, non-relevant examples and then a sentence on what to do without anything to back it up. If you're going to state why I should do something, tell me the benefits of doing so.
I did enjoy chapters 10 and 11 and I thought the book was picking up, but I was wrong.
August 16, 2018
I listened to the audio book and it's a little long for my liking. The last chapter was pretty good with a Q&A session and some funny responses.
Some key take-aways/lessons learned from this book for me are:
1. When talking with younger people ask them questions about what they think rather than telling them your position
2. Don't offer advice those older than you don't need and those younger than you won't heed it
3. The only job where you start at the top is when digging a hole
4. Learn how to communicate your work-life boundaries and get others to respect them
5. Use humor to diffuse tense situations
6. Nobody trips over mountains, they trip over tiny pebbles on the way up the mountain
This is just an okay book that I have a hard time recommending.
Some key take-aways/lessons learned from this book for me are:
1. When talking with younger people ask them questions about what they think rather than telling them your position
2. Don't offer advice those older than you don't need and those younger than you won't heed it
3. The only job where you start at the top is when digging a hole
4. Learn how to communicate your work-life boundaries and get others to respect them
5. Use humor to diffuse tense situations
6. Nobody trips over mountains, they trip over tiny pebbles on the way up the mountain
This is just an okay book that I have a hard time recommending.
November 10, 2019
I think the title title "Working Successfully" describes this book better.
It is packed with very useful tips for surviving the workplace, and handles topics ranging from recognizing manipulation to dealing with stress. I found it well written and clear to read. Contrary to the person who said it's mostly fluff, I found it better to actually read the text, even though it is a bit long, than to just skip over to the "insights" section. If you are looking for a book you can speed read that tells you how to stay away from your coworker, this is not the book for you.
I did think a couple of chapters were a little niche (chapters 9&10), and the order of some of the information seems a bit random, but overall it's a very helpful book.
It is packed with very useful tips for surviving the workplace, and handles topics ranging from recognizing manipulation to dealing with stress. I found it well written and clear to read. Contrary to the person who said it's mostly fluff, I found it better to actually read the text, even though it is a bit long, than to just skip over to the "insights" section. If you are looking for a book you can speed read that tells you how to stay away from your coworker, this is not the book for you.
I did think a couple of chapters were a little niche (chapters 9&10), and the order of some of the information seems a bit random, but overall it's a very helpful book.
April 11, 2021
Weak stuff. Doesn’t address what the title states. Doesn’t get into how to handle difficult people at work who are rude or bullies. Just states a lot of obvious stuff like “people all have different personalities”. Endless wordy anecdotes to pad points that can be made in one sentence. And lots of *real life work situations* that seem completely made up and phony. This book just seems useless to me. I won’t be reading any more by this author.
November 29, 2021
-4.5
-I want to preface this that the only reason I read this book was so that I could clear off of my shelf rather than actually seeking advice from it
-That being said, the majority of the advice in this feels like common sense
-The writing style was clear and concise which I appreciated
-Felt like we were jumping around a bit with the topics through the chapters
-I want to preface this that the only reason I read this book was so that I could clear off of my shelf rather than actually seeking advice from it
-That being said, the majority of the advice in this feels like common sense
-The writing style was clear and concise which I appreciated
-Felt like we were jumping around a bit with the topics through the chapters
February 15, 2022
Not really what I was looking for.
July 27, 2023
This was pretty good. Had some good points but was read more like a manual than an engaging book (audio book)
December 31, 2024
fav book i read this year. didn't expect to like it but here i am, loving every chapter.
June 4, 2012
Elizabeth B. Brown in her new book, “Working Successfully with Screwed-Up People” Book Two in the Screwed-Up People series published by Revell focuses on our work environment.
From the Back Cover: Crazy co-workers stressing you out? Here’s the solution.
Let’s face it. Some people just don’t listen, don’t care, and aren’t willing to compromise. And you probably work with some of them. The incomprehensible supervisor. The person in the next office who chats more than works. The customer who, by the way, isn’t always right.
The good news is, it doesn’t take two people to change a relationship in the workplace. It takes one–you! Now the bestselling author of Living Successfully with Screwed-Up People offers expert advice to help you not only get along with co-workers who get under your skin but actually succeed at work in spite of them. You’ll learn how to be unflappable, imperturbable, and unflustered in every workplace situation.
Less stress at work can start today. So what are you waiting for?
No doubt about it sometimes people are difficult to get along with, and this is especially true in the workplace. Sometimes this is true because we are so stressed and it makes us “screwed-up” but mostly it is because we are all different and come from different backgrounds. Whatever the case Dr. Brown shoes us how to deal with these individuals while we are at work. “Working Successfully with Screwed-Up People” is a worker’s manual, how-to-book, management guide and co-worker’s Bible. Dr. Brown shows us that sometimes it isn’t worth the fight and other times how to deal with the irritation they cause. All in all this is a book that you will refer back to quite a few times in your life. Sometimes we forget and “Working Successfully with Screwed-Up People” is here to help us remember how to deal with our co-workers. A great resource to have and to give as gifts.
If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.
To listen to 24 hours non-stop Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
“Available May 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”
From the Back Cover: Crazy co-workers stressing you out? Here’s the solution.
Let’s face it. Some people just don’t listen, don’t care, and aren’t willing to compromise. And you probably work with some of them. The incomprehensible supervisor. The person in the next office who chats more than works. The customer who, by the way, isn’t always right.
The good news is, it doesn’t take two people to change a relationship in the workplace. It takes one–you! Now the bestselling author of Living Successfully with Screwed-Up People offers expert advice to help you not only get along with co-workers who get under your skin but actually succeed at work in spite of them. You’ll learn how to be unflappable, imperturbable, and unflustered in every workplace situation.
Less stress at work can start today. So what are you waiting for?
No doubt about it sometimes people are difficult to get along with, and this is especially true in the workplace. Sometimes this is true because we are so stressed and it makes us “screwed-up” but mostly it is because we are all different and come from different backgrounds. Whatever the case Dr. Brown shoes us how to deal with these individuals while we are at work. “Working Successfully with Screwed-Up People” is a worker’s manual, how-to-book, management guide and co-worker’s Bible. Dr. Brown shows us that sometimes it isn’t worth the fight and other times how to deal with the irritation they cause. All in all this is a book that you will refer back to quite a few times in your life. Sometimes we forget and “Working Successfully with Screwed-Up People” is here to help us remember how to deal with our co-workers. A great resource to have and to give as gifts.
If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.
To listen to 24 hours non-stop Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
“Available May 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”
May 26, 2012
Whether you are in the workplace, work from home, stay at home, whatever the situation, the truth is that we are going to meet, deal and have to work with people who we may find to be frustrating or as part of the title goes, seems just way out there, that they challenge our patience and nerves.
In comes, "Working Successfully with Screwed-Up People " by Elizabeth B. Brown; Although it maybe geared more for the workplace, there are insights that anyone can take away from the book that would help deal with day to day situations, that the reader may find themselves in.
Reading, "Working Successfully with Screwed-Up People ", a good follow up to Elizabeth Brown's book, "Living Successfully with Screwed-Up People",there are practical insights that can be taken away, really for any situation that a person may and will find themselves in.
Maybe its the relative, the neighbor next door, or if you work from home or at the office, dealing with difficult customers or co-workers, really, is there isn't a situation, where one would find themselves struggling to work with conflicting personalities?
Dealing with social media situations are a bit more awkward since its often difficult (or easy, depending how you look at it) to read the emotional tone and intent behind words, but when dealing with people, one on one, even over the phone, being able to work successfully with others, is such a vital skill and act of diplomacy that is needed, in an ever challenging world.
The book is informative, lighten with a humorous, "I've been there" approach and its not about changing other people....we all know that's not possible, but its about changing our approach and how we react to the situations that we come across.
"Working Successfully with Screwed-Up People " offers valuable insights that challenges, you, the reader, on how to deal with other people that you may encounter in a way that is diplomatic but also realizing that people are going to act in ways that may rub us the wrong way, but we have the power and ability to choose how we react to those situations.
So if you are finding yourself in the workforce, or even as a work at home parent, starting up, building or maintaining a home business, small business or part of the workforce, on any level, check out, "Working Successfully with Screwed-Up People ".
In comes, "Working Successfully with Screwed-Up People " by Elizabeth B. Brown; Although it maybe geared more for the workplace, there are insights that anyone can take away from the book that would help deal with day to day situations, that the reader may find themselves in.
Reading, "Working Successfully with Screwed-Up People ", a good follow up to Elizabeth Brown's book, "Living Successfully with Screwed-Up People",there are practical insights that can be taken away, really for any situation that a person may and will find themselves in.
Maybe its the relative, the neighbor next door, or if you work from home or at the office, dealing with difficult customers or co-workers, really, is there isn't a situation, where one would find themselves struggling to work with conflicting personalities?
Dealing with social media situations are a bit more awkward since its often difficult (or easy, depending how you look at it) to read the emotional tone and intent behind words, but when dealing with people, one on one, even over the phone, being able to work successfully with others, is such a vital skill and act of diplomacy that is needed, in an ever challenging world.
The book is informative, lighten with a humorous, "I've been there" approach and its not about changing other people....we all know that's not possible, but its about changing our approach and how we react to the situations that we come across.
"Working Successfully with Screwed-Up People " offers valuable insights that challenges, you, the reader, on how to deal with other people that you may encounter in a way that is diplomatic but also realizing that people are going to act in ways that may rub us the wrong way, but we have the power and ability to choose how we react to those situations.
So if you are finding yourself in the workforce, or even as a work at home parent, starting up, building or maintaining a home business, small business or part of the workforce, on any level, check out, "Working Successfully with Screwed-Up People ".
May 21, 2012
Title: WORKING SUCCESSFULLY WITH SCREWED-UP PEOPLE
Author: Elizabeth B. Brown
Publisher: Revell
May 2012
ISBN: 978-0800720117
Genre: Self-help/business
Are crazy co-workers stressing you out? Here’s the solution.
Let’s face it. Some people don’t listen, don’t care, and won’t compromise. And you probably work with them. The incomprehensible supervisor. The person who talks more than works. The customer who isn’t always right.
The good news is, it doesn’t take two people to change a relationship—it takes one. You.
In WORKING SUCCESSFULLY WITH SCREWED-UP PEOPLE, Ms. Brown will show you how to be unflappable, imperturbable, and unflustered in every situation.
WORKING SUCCESSFULLY WITH SCREWED-UP PEOPLE is a must read for every working person, whether they are a work-at-home parent or whether they go out in the rat race every day. I enjoyed reading this book, Ms. Brown’s writing style drew me in and held my interest, and I learned some things… such as, my husband is very much a rule-follower. It is set in stone. I am more of a rules are guidelines type person, and love to say, the rules apply to everyone but me. My husband’s rigidness drives me crazy sometimes, the same way my more relaxed approach to everything affects him. Opposites attract, right?
In a work place, you have to somehow manage to work eight hours a day that people that don’t share your values. You might be more dedicated to work, and earning the paycheck, while someone else might be more of the “I’m here to take up space and chat” mindset. Or maybe the way you solve problems differ. If you have any work relationship problems, then you have to read WORKING SUCCESSFULLY WITH SCREWED-UP PEOPLE. It will be the help you need. And you’ll learn a lot about personality types as well. $12.99. 260 pages.
Author: Elizabeth B. Brown
Publisher: Revell
May 2012
ISBN: 978-0800720117
Genre: Self-help/business
Are crazy co-workers stressing you out? Here’s the solution.
Let’s face it. Some people don’t listen, don’t care, and won’t compromise. And you probably work with them. The incomprehensible supervisor. The person who talks more than works. The customer who isn’t always right.
The good news is, it doesn’t take two people to change a relationship—it takes one. You.
In WORKING SUCCESSFULLY WITH SCREWED-UP PEOPLE, Ms. Brown will show you how to be unflappable, imperturbable, and unflustered in every situation.
WORKING SUCCESSFULLY WITH SCREWED-UP PEOPLE is a must read for every working person, whether they are a work-at-home parent or whether they go out in the rat race every day. I enjoyed reading this book, Ms. Brown’s writing style drew me in and held my interest, and I learned some things… such as, my husband is very much a rule-follower. It is set in stone. I am more of a rules are guidelines type person, and love to say, the rules apply to everyone but me. My husband’s rigidness drives me crazy sometimes, the same way my more relaxed approach to everything affects him. Opposites attract, right?
In a work place, you have to somehow manage to work eight hours a day that people that don’t share your values. You might be more dedicated to work, and earning the paycheck, while someone else might be more of the “I’m here to take up space and chat” mindset. Or maybe the way you solve problems differ. If you have any work relationship problems, then you have to read WORKING SUCCESSFULLY WITH SCREWED-UP PEOPLE. It will be the help you need. And you’ll learn a lot about personality types as well. $12.99. 260 pages.
January 20, 2013
Absolutely positively a must read for me. I borrowed the audiobook and realized that I NEEDED this book on my shelf for frequent reference. Elizabeth Brown starts out recognizing that in real life there are just some crazy people. Crazy people make me crazy. Elizabeth takes the time to give concrete examples of crazy. She shows you when, no matter what you do, you won't be able to change the person. And then explains how you can handle it...realistically. When a person is unwilling, or unable, to understand, then you must take action to take care of yourself, or the company. I have a VERY crazy boss. This book helps me to remember not to take it personally. Yes, I am affected but instead of trying to "get back at her" it helps to examine the underlying reason why this person is out of control. So, I set boundaries. She doesn't have to change, but I don't have to let her do whatever she wants to do. It's early in 2013, but this is my must purchase book for the year.
May 29, 2012
I always enjoy reading about personality types, character traits and how to get along with people who are different from me so this book held my interest, because it focused on how to improve relationships in the workplace.
In the appendix, there is a section called The Personality Zoo, which breaks down ten personality types and their traits. I found this very informative and helpful. According to the author, knowing your personality traits is a huge key in being able to get along well with others. Interpersonal relationships suffer, when you try to “fix” someone else, rather than understand what makes them tick. I also enjoyed the chapter on stress absorbers and the authors’ suggestions on balancing work life and home life.
Each chapter ends with some questions for self reflection. There are some vague references to God and spirituality, but this isn’t an overly preachy book.
In the appendix, there is a section called The Personality Zoo, which breaks down ten personality types and their traits. I found this very informative and helpful. According to the author, knowing your personality traits is a huge key in being able to get along well with others. Interpersonal relationships suffer, when you try to “fix” someone else, rather than understand what makes them tick. I also enjoyed the chapter on stress absorbers and the authors’ suggestions on balancing work life and home life.
Each chapter ends with some questions for self reflection. There are some vague references to God and spirituality, but this isn’t an overly preachy book.
August 15, 2016
What I desperately need is verbal and mental judo in order to deal with the "screwed-up people" at my work place. What we have here is the old cliche, "Change what you cannot accept, Accept what you cannot change, and know the difference." My message to Elizabeth B. Brown is, "F**k You!"
This doesn't help. This and another book I read, tells the reader if things are really bad think about changing jobs, well in a normal economic climate that may be possible but in the Great Recession? C'mon!
She wastes a whole chapter on family businesses which is totally irrelevant unless you work in the the family busines, and the advice she gives is just more common sense than anything else.
I hate people who profit on these non-advice books which do a great job at identifying a problem, but offer precious little in helping solve the problem.
This doesn't help. This and another book I read, tells the reader if things are really bad think about changing jobs, well in a normal economic climate that may be possible but in the Great Recession? C'mon!
She wastes a whole chapter on family businesses which is totally irrelevant unless you work in the the family busines, and the advice she gives is just more common sense than anything else.
I hate people who profit on these non-advice books which do a great job at identifying a problem, but offer precious little in helping solve the problem.
October 26, 2013
I don't care for the title — well, OK, I don't like the adjective in the title — but this is a good read. Brown helps people look at themselves and co-workers in realistic ways and gives really good principles for how to work effectively with flawed people. Emphasizes being sure that one is not the problem oneself. She touches on how to determine if it's time to actively seek a job change. Best chapters: 6 "People Don't Want to be Fixed" and 16 "It's Time to Say I'm Sorry".
July 5, 2013
Loved it from the time I saw the cover! I bought this book for a gift so I had to hurry and read it before giving it away. ha! Wound up taking 7 pages of handwritten notes (front and back). Very helpful tips presented as if Elizabeth Brown works in my department! She captures many of the common situations we deal with. It was quick, funny, true and useful read!
February 2, 2013
I enjoyed this book, and it provides some good insights into myself and the people I work with. I know that a book is really good when I journal about it, as I did with is book. My thanks to Ms Brown for writing this book and sharing her insights and experiences.
April 1, 2017
This book is a bit of a restating of previous books about dealing with people at work. I did like the way it incorporates Christian values into everyday life. It is a bit long in that Ms. Brown gives examples through a chapter and then at the end offers a summary and has some thought-provoking questions listed.
Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone looking to be more satisfied with their current employment and colleagues.
Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone looking to be more satisfied with their current employment and colleagues.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews