Work Would Be Great If It Weren't for the People

by Ronna Lichtenberg, Gene Stone (Contributor)

A former senior vice-president at Prudential Securities, Inc.--now one of the most powerful women on Wall Street--offers a candid and hilarious examination of the ins and outs of office politics--and shows how to come out on top.

Genres: Nonfiction, Management

Hardcover

First published April 1, 1998

Reviews

[Angela Clayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best work related book ever. This is the straight talk that you would get fired if you told your employees, yet it is essentially true. I especially enjoyed the chapters on Zipper Problems and Corporate Cockroaches.

[Amberly Crowford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely everyone who works anywhere, especially offices, should read this book. I loved it!

[Phyllis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hysterical and spot-on.

[Roger Smitter · Rating 3 out of 5]

This mix of humor and comments about the bad environment of the work place (especially in the office) will generate some laughter and, maybe, some good advice. Much of the humor comes from chapters such as "Sometimes a Cigar is Just a Cigar" and "Feeding the Home that Bites You." There's plenty of cynical statements such as the chapter "Control Your Lying and Lie Sensibly." You can readily get the theme of two chapters: "Zipper Problems I" and "Zipper Problems II."

In between the humor, the book raises some important problems in the business world. I could a savvy business professor picking up a couple chapters to launch some discussion in the classroom.

Given what we see about the number of business people who want to work at home or work only for themselves, it's likely the book will be an old world book soon.

[Khoa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good to great.

[Deb Hill · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is dated and not as applicable in modern times. This did not provide tge tactics of which I am in need.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. A lot of the types that she covered in this book, I saw at work. The author gives two options for each situation which is great because when in the situation yourself, usuallly you can only think of one option. I had a very difficult problem at work and contacted the author via her e-mail address and she again gave two different ways ofdealing with it. I don't think I could have made it to retirement without being able to grab this book whenever things seemed "impossible at work". I reccomend it to anyone who works for a company or the government.

[Nitrorockets · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading this book I have realized that not everyone is capable of getting along with co-workers. Get over it. There will always be someone that you cannot stand for some reason. Reading this book may enlighten you to the ways of the office battle-dome. I have been able to notice more about myself and those around me that will make my day go better. At least I can use that as my armor to keep me safe/sane.

[Claire S · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this and it really helped me get out of myself and my own head and have more realistic expectations for the workplace. It is true, as my ex- said, 'it's not that simple.' But even so, just the overall ambience that she creates in this book is useful for me to immerse in every so often.

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Talks about politics at work - some of the examples were fun but I didn't find it very relevant

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite HR/office politics book. Funny too.