In I Don’t Know What I Want . . . But I Know It’s Not This , career consultant Julie Jansen won over readers with the same comforting, clear headed approach that she brings to her many Fortune 500 clients. Now she tackles a problem that affects every working person, regardless of occupation: difficult people. Whether the problem is an "abusive" boss, "toxic" coworker, or "difficult" assistant, Jansen shows how to master the eleven keys to getting along with even the most dysfunctional colleagues. Featuring self-assessment exercises designed to identify the root causes of problem behavior and smart, viable solutions and tips for managing different kinds of difficult people—from subordinates to superiors—this invaluable resource is a savvy, humane guide to reducing stress, establishing workplace harmony, and making sure that no one stands in the way of your career goals.
I found this book in the back seat of my rental car in North Carolina, not more than 5 minutes after my first (email) encounter with a dissatisfied employee. Figure I'm asking for a lightning strike if I don't read it!
The self-evaluations and quizzes included in this book make it relatively easy to focus on the reader's individual weaknesses (or look at how to deal with people with a specific weakness). The tips are handy for most anyone and can apply to any relationship, but the examples and scenarios are geared towards the corporate business world. The layout of the book makes it convenient to gloss over any less relevant parts, though. Like any self-help book, readers will need to read with an honest and open mind.