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Badly Behaved People: How to deal with idiots at work
Zena Everett is an expert in communication, an international leadership coach, and a highly sought-after speaker. She is also the author of "Mind Flip " and the award-winning "The Crazy Busy Cure."
"Badly Behaved People" is not your typical business book; it features a unique format that combines elements of a business guide with an agony aunt approach. The book addresses 15 common problem personalities through real-life case studies. Readers will recognise challenging personality types and learn how to deal with them proactively and positively using practical tools and coaching questions. The goal is to understand yourself and your colleagues better, repair connections, and restore a sense of belonging and cohesion in the workplace.
Each chapter is designed like a short story, with theory and explanations woven throughout. Readers will likely identify with at least one story, thinking, “That's me,” and will learn how to make positive changes in their own relationships.
Key features of the book
Improved understanding of others and enhanced communication skills 15 real workplace stories that illustrate conflict resolution, dialogue restoration, and solutions for interpersonal challenges Practical tools to help find common ground and foster a sense of belonging By exploring the content, readers will gain insights into themselves, learn to control negative thinking, and uncover their blind spots. Each chapter is practical and actionable, featuring useful tools and coaching questions.
"Badly Behaved People" is not your typical business book; it features a unique format that combines elements of a business guide with an agony aunt approach. The book addresses 15 common problem personalities through real-life case studies. Readers will recognise challenging personality types and learn how to deal with them proactively and positively using practical tools and coaching questions. The goal is to understand yourself and your colleagues better, repair connections, and restore a sense of belonging and cohesion in the workplace.
Each chapter is designed like a short story, with theory and explanations woven throughout. Readers will likely identify with at least one story, thinking, “That's me,” and will learn how to make positive changes in their own relationships.
Key features of the book
Improved understanding of others and enhanced communication skills 15 real workplace stories that illustrate conflict resolution, dialogue restoration, and solutions for interpersonal challenges Practical tools to help find common ground and foster a sense of belonging By exploring the content, readers will gain insights into themselves, learn to control negative thinking, and uncover their blind spots. Each chapter is practical and actionable, featuring useful tools and coaching questions.
248 pages, Paperback
Published February 15, 2025
4 people are currently reading
22 people want to read
About the author
Zena Everett
8 books1 followerI am a Leadership Coach and Speaker and I've written three books. Please visit my website if you want to find out more about how I can help you. I send out an article on career and leadership success every month (once only I promise), so you can sign up on there or send me a message and I'll add you to Mailchimp.
There's only one Zena Everett on LinkedIn (last time I looked anyway) so I'm easy to find on there and it would be great to connect. I'm also a LinkedIn Learning Instructor.
I'd love to hear from you, so get in contact on zena@zenaeverett.com. Respectful feedback and new book ideas are always welcome.
I'm based in London and West Cork and whereever my work takes me.
There's only one Zena Everett on LinkedIn (last time I looked anyway) so I'm easy to find on there and it would be great to connect. I'm also a LinkedIn Learning Instructor.
I'd love to hear from you, so get in contact on zena@zenaeverett.com. Respectful feedback and new book ideas are always welcome.
I'm based in London and West Cork and whereever my work takes me.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
April 28, 2025
TLDR:
This is a must-read for any aspiring future leaders entering corporate life. Forewarned is forearmed!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Zena Everett’s Badly Behaved People: How to Deal with Idiots at Work is a practical and engaging guide to helping professionals navigate challenging workplace dynamics. Don’t let the subtitle put you off—it may divide readers, but it certainly grabs attention from a marketing perspective! The book offers insights into managing difficult colleagues (including upwards!) and fostering healthier work relationships.
I wish it had been available early in my career, but honestly, I would have been too busy walking on eggshells by being a high-functioning, co-dependent to a narcissistic boss, and chaotic people-pleaser to have read it! Yes, specific chapters had lightbulb/reminder/flashback moments for me…! IYKYK 😉
Drawing from her experience as a leadership coach and communication expert, Everett presents 15 real-life case studies -almost agony aunt style- that depict common problematic workplace behaviours. These range from dealing with underperforming team members to managing toxic managers. Each chapter reads like a short story, combining narrative with coaching questions and actionable strategies. The goal is to equip readers with tools to understand themselves and others better, repair strained connections, and restore a sense of belonging in the workplace.
The Dunning-Kruger effect explanation was significant and explained a few previous career-related conundrums!
I also grimaced when faced with some sub-par performance or questioning I had been guilty of. The challenge of procrastination/perfection was painfully familiar.
But my most valuable reminder was this:
High-functioning narcissists are often ambitious and successful, so it’s not unusual to find them in senior leadership roles.
They rewrite history, remember situations and conversations differently, and interpret events differently—gaslighting 101.
The best thing you can do in a toxic workplace relationship is to leave, but sometimes that’s difficult from a practical perspective- so the next best thing is to create distance.
It’s not like standing up to a regular playground bully (although I have had to do that a few times too throughout my career) - standing up to a high-functioning narcissist, especially in public, as I found out, only inflames the situation and makes them worse, the gloves are off. Their response will likely be vengeful and aggressive.
The neurodivergent section was equally valuable and something I have had experience with in my previous teams. I was pleased to read the author’s comments about the importance of supporting neurodivergence. Even asking ‘how could we work better together’ could unlock simple solutions that could benefit all parties. After all, as Everett writes: ‘exceptional thinkers make all the difference to performance and profitability’.
If you, like me, would benefit from a deeper dive into specific areas, excellent resource materials are listed after most sections.
I have ordered one of the books mentioned already.
This is a must-read for any aspiring future leaders entering corporate life. Forewarned is forearmed!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Zena Everett’s Badly Behaved People: How to Deal with Idiots at Work is a practical and engaging guide to helping professionals navigate challenging workplace dynamics. Don’t let the subtitle put you off—it may divide readers, but it certainly grabs attention from a marketing perspective! The book offers insights into managing difficult colleagues (including upwards!) and fostering healthier work relationships.
I wish it had been available early in my career, but honestly, I would have been too busy walking on eggshells by being a high-functioning, co-dependent to a narcissistic boss, and chaotic people-pleaser to have read it! Yes, specific chapters had lightbulb/reminder/flashback moments for me…! IYKYK 😉
Drawing from her experience as a leadership coach and communication expert, Everett presents 15 real-life case studies -almost agony aunt style- that depict common problematic workplace behaviours. These range from dealing with underperforming team members to managing toxic managers. Each chapter reads like a short story, combining narrative with coaching questions and actionable strategies. The goal is to equip readers with tools to understand themselves and others better, repair strained connections, and restore a sense of belonging in the workplace.
The Dunning-Kruger effect explanation was significant and explained a few previous career-related conundrums!
I also grimaced when faced with some sub-par performance or questioning I had been guilty of. The challenge of procrastination/perfection was painfully familiar.
But my most valuable reminder was this:
High-functioning narcissists are often ambitious and successful, so it’s not unusual to find them in senior leadership roles.
They rewrite history, remember situations and conversations differently, and interpret events differently—gaslighting 101.
The best thing you can do in a toxic workplace relationship is to leave, but sometimes that’s difficult from a practical perspective- so the next best thing is to create distance.
It’s not like standing up to a regular playground bully (although I have had to do that a few times too throughout my career) - standing up to a high-functioning narcissist, especially in public, as I found out, only inflames the situation and makes them worse, the gloves are off. Their response will likely be vengeful and aggressive.
The neurodivergent section was equally valuable and something I have had experience with in my previous teams. I was pleased to read the author’s comments about the importance of supporting neurodivergence. Even asking ‘how could we work better together’ could unlock simple solutions that could benefit all parties. After all, as Everett writes: ‘exceptional thinkers make all the difference to performance and profitability’.
If you, like me, would benefit from a deeper dive into specific areas, excellent resource materials are listed after most sections.
I have ordered one of the books mentioned already.
April 9, 2025
I’ve worked with a huge range of people in my working life—starting at 16 in Safeway, then moving onto very corporate, hierarchical jobs at places like Reuters and MORI Ipsos, then moving into freelance journalism, then publishing, PR, and comms. I’ve worked in-house and freelance, with publishers, literary agents, and authors, and for the past decade I've run my own business and team.
Across every incarnation of my work, one thing has remained the same: the impact that badly behaved people has on performance, morale, and wellbeing. Not just mine - but of my colleagues. And it's not always the boss that's a nightmare, I've experienced plenty of co-workers with questionable work ethics, time-keeping skills, etc.
Whether it’s the narcissistic client, the shouty stakeholder, or the chronically rude collaborator—we’ve all got stories haven't we? And the longer we've ben in the world of work (for me almost 30 years now - eeek!) the more people we've worked with and the more 'Badly Behaved People' we've encountered. We just don’t always have the tools to do something about it.
That’s why Badly Behaved People by Zena Everett is such a timely, necessary read. It tackles the subject with insight, compassion, and humour, but it doesn’t let anyone off the hook. Zena gives us frameworks and strategies to deal with disruptive behaviour, to stop normalising toxicity, and to start creating cultures that are psychologically safe and high-performing.
It’s written for leaders, yes—but also for anyone who’s ever had to navigate difficult people in the workplace. And that’s… let's be real, all of us!
Across every incarnation of my work, one thing has remained the same: the impact that badly behaved people has on performance, morale, and wellbeing. Not just mine - but of my colleagues. And it's not always the boss that's a nightmare, I've experienced plenty of co-workers with questionable work ethics, time-keeping skills, etc.
Whether it’s the narcissistic client, the shouty stakeholder, or the chronically rude collaborator—we’ve all got stories haven't we? And the longer we've ben in the world of work (for me almost 30 years now - eeek!) the more people we've worked with and the more 'Badly Behaved People' we've encountered. We just don’t always have the tools to do something about it.
That’s why Badly Behaved People by Zena Everett is such a timely, necessary read. It tackles the subject with insight, compassion, and humour, but it doesn’t let anyone off the hook. Zena gives us frameworks and strategies to deal with disruptive behaviour, to stop normalising toxicity, and to start creating cultures that are psychologically safe and high-performing.
It’s written for leaders, yes—but also for anyone who’s ever had to navigate difficult people in the workplace. And that’s… let's be real, all of us!
April 4, 2025
Badly Behaved People: How to Deal with Idiots at Work by Zena Everett is an insightful, refreshing take on workplace dynamics. It blends practical advice with real-life anecdotes in an easy to read format. The book tackles the challenges of dealing with difficult colleagues, through engaging case studies.
It doesn’t take long to get hooked into this book, with many scene-setting truths, such as how we live our working lives in the everyday “not in the ra-ra away days” and “it’s the everyday interactions that upset us.”
The book encourages the reader to learn when the problem isn’t them, and how to interpret and respond to a problem. Each chapter starts with scene setting and then works through the problem. Repeatedly, the reader is reminded that our perceptions of a situation contain projections of our own reality, potentially clouding what is actually happening.
Each chapter reads like a short story, making complex workplace issues relatable and offering solutions that are both insightful and empowering. Early chapters start off with the simpler problems, such as “angry Kevin.” The following chapters cover more complex workplace dilemmas, such as “I’m doing my team’s work as well as my own”, which explains the parent-adult-child model and how to avoid being a rescuer. The chapter on perfectionists and their self-imposed pressure was an eye-opener.
I really enjoyed the format of this book. It is easy to read, with relatable chapters, many practical takeaways and self-reflection is encouraged. I highly recommend this book.
It doesn’t take long to get hooked into this book, with many scene-setting truths, such as how we live our working lives in the everyday “not in the ra-ra away days” and “it’s the everyday interactions that upset us.”
The book encourages the reader to learn when the problem isn’t them, and how to interpret and respond to a problem. Each chapter starts with scene setting and then works through the problem. Repeatedly, the reader is reminded that our perceptions of a situation contain projections of our own reality, potentially clouding what is actually happening.
Each chapter reads like a short story, making complex workplace issues relatable and offering solutions that are both insightful and empowering. Early chapters start off with the simpler problems, such as “angry Kevin.” The following chapters cover more complex workplace dilemmas, such as “I’m doing my team’s work as well as my own”, which explains the parent-adult-child model and how to avoid being a rescuer. The chapter on perfectionists and their self-imposed pressure was an eye-opener.
I really enjoyed the format of this book. It is easy to read, with relatable chapters, many practical takeaways and self-reflection is encouraged. I highly recommend this book.
April 8, 2025
Just finished reading Badly Behaved People by Zena Everett, and I can confidently say it should be required reading for anyone managing teams in 2025.
As a sales manager, I’ve seen first-hand how just one personality can knock the energy, motivation, and performance of a whole team off course. What Zena does brilliantly in this book is cut through the noise and provide clear, actionable advice on how to identify and handle toxic behaviour—without losing your head or your standards.
What stood out to me most is that Badly Behaved People isn’t about labelling or blaming—it’s about understanding what drives behaviour, setting boundaries, and building a culture where respect and accountability come first. Whether you're leading a small team or managing complex personalities across a wider business, this book gives you the tools to step up, lean in, and protect your team’s wellbeing and performance.
I’ll be recommending it to colleagues and clients alike. A brilliant blend of straight-talking insight and practical wisdom.
#leadership #salesmanagement #teamdynamics #toxicworkplaces #BadlyBehavedPeople #ZenaEverett #mustread
As a sales manager, I’ve seen first-hand how just one personality can knock the energy, motivation, and performance of a whole team off course. What Zena does brilliantly in this book is cut through the noise and provide clear, actionable advice on how to identify and handle toxic behaviour—without losing your head or your standards.
What stood out to me most is that Badly Behaved People isn’t about labelling or blaming—it’s about understanding what drives behaviour, setting boundaries, and building a culture where respect and accountability come first. Whether you're leading a small team or managing complex personalities across a wider business, this book gives you the tools to step up, lean in, and protect your team’s wellbeing and performance.
I’ll be recommending it to colleagues and clients alike. A brilliant blend of straight-talking insight and practical wisdom.
#leadership #salesmanagement #teamdynamics #toxicworkplaces #BadlyBehavedPeople #ZenaEverett #mustread
April 8, 2025
Badly Behaved People: How to Deal with Idiots at Work by Zena Everett offers a refreshing take on workplace dynamics. Instead of a standard business manual, Everett combines storytelling with an agony aunt approach, addressing 15 common problematic personalities through relatable case studies. Each chapter reads like a short story, inviting readers to see themselves and their challenges reflected in the narratives.
The book excels at blending theory with practical advice, empowering readers to better understand themselves and their colleagues. With actionable tools and coaching questions, Everett provides strategies for improving communication and resolving conflicts. Whether you’re dealing with a micromanager, a perpetual complainer, or an office gossip, this book equips you to tackle these challenges head-on.
I think readers will appreciate the focus on fostering a sense of belonging and cohesion in the workplace. The book is not just about identifying problem personalities; it’s about nurturing positive relationships and enhancing team dynamics. A must-read for anyone looking to improve their workplace interactions and make positive changes in their professional environment.
The book excels at blending theory with practical advice, empowering readers to better understand themselves and their colleagues. With actionable tools and coaching questions, Everett provides strategies for improving communication and resolving conflicts. Whether you’re dealing with a micromanager, a perpetual complainer, or an office gossip, this book equips you to tackle these challenges head-on.
I think readers will appreciate the focus on fostering a sense of belonging and cohesion in the workplace. The book is not just about identifying problem personalities; it’s about nurturing positive relationships and enhancing team dynamics. A must-read for anyone looking to improve their workplace interactions and make positive changes in their professional environment.
April 9, 2025
Having worked in both customer service and now in administration and marketing it’s fair to say I’ve had my fair share of dealing with idiots at work. I’m sure sometimes coworkers have no doubt thought the same about me though! But I have to say this book was like being seen, understood and also a guide to deal with said ‘idiots’. The way Everett writes is so refreshing. Written like a business guide but also a friendly a relatable approach. You feel more like you are talking with a friend who has valuable insight than reading a guide.
With that in mind this book is so easy to get into and become hooked on. You quickly want to get to the next chapter for more insight and more help. With easy to follow guidance on simple yet effective communication skills this is going to be a game changer for those who work with a team.
Enjoyable and informative this is a must read for anyone who works in an office or team. The anecdotal stories are relatable and offer real life insight to how to put the guide to work. An easy 5 stars.
As always thank you to Literally PR for the copy to review. My review is always honest, truthful and freely given.
With that in mind this book is so easy to get into and become hooked on. You quickly want to get to the next chapter for more insight and more help. With easy to follow guidance on simple yet effective communication skills this is going to be a game changer for those who work with a team.
Enjoyable and informative this is a must read for anyone who works in an office or team. The anecdotal stories are relatable and offer real life insight to how to put the guide to work. An easy 5 stars.
As always thank you to Literally PR for the copy to review. My review is always honest, truthful and freely given.
April 7, 2025
I really enjoyed this. Over the years I have worked in a few toxic places as I’m sure many have. That annoying coworker, the aggressive boss, the bitchy back office!
But reading this gives us coping mechanisms, simple techniques to arm us so that we can get through that horrible work situation without swearing or walking out and quitting. There’s a dash of humour in here, some real lived experiences and practical advice that I wished I’d had years ago. A pleasant read, I recommend to anyone in the workplace who happens to work with a bunch of idiots.
Many thanks to team @literallyPR for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
But reading this gives us coping mechanisms, simple techniques to arm us so that we can get through that horrible work situation without swearing or walking out and quitting. There’s a dash of humour in here, some real lived experiences and practical advice that I wished I’d had years ago. A pleasant read, I recommend to anyone in the workplace who happens to work with a bunch of idiots.
Many thanks to team @literallyPR for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews