Beyond Bullsh*t: Straight-Talk at Work

by Samuel A. Culbert

Straight-talk at work! Grumblings in offices everywhere suggest that we crave more, but don't get often enough of it. Beyond Bullsh*t reveals the dynamics of bullsh*t and why it has become the corporate etiquette of choice. It also explains how telling it straight contributes to personal well-being and business success. After decades of research and consulting, Samuel A. Culbert is convinced that straight-talk at work is possible. But it requires more than luck and willing people. Straight-talk is the product of thoughtful, caring relationships, built upon trust and commitment. There's no greater contribution to operational effectiveness and success than conversations in which people with conflicting viewpoints discuss their differences forthrightly. Readers will be engaged and delighted as the text demystifies the obstacles to getting beyond bullsh*t and guides them in developing straight-talk relationships. Further details are available at www.straighttalkatwork.com.

Genres: Business, Nonfiction, Leadership

168 pages, Paperback

First published December 31, 2007

About the author

Samuel A. Culbert is an award winning author, researcher and full-time, tenured professor at UCLA’s Anderson School of Management. His laboratory is the world of work where he puts conventional managerial assumptions under a microscope to uncover and replace dysfunctional practices. He holds a B.S. in Systems Engineering and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology.

Reviews

[Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

I added this to my "to read" list because it's mentioned in Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup by John Carreyrou. Also, because I am working on my MBA and thought it might have some worth wild information in it.

I'm left with a "meh" feeling about it. I don't think I got anything out of it that I haven't heard elsewhere. It's well written, but kind of heavy on theory and light on practice.

[Apurvsibalgmail.Com · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is written by Prof. Culbert who teaches at UCLA Anderson and it starts with his childhood story and ends with how we should all be more focused on straight talk and that requires being vulnerable and authentic with everyone. I gave it 4/5 because the word 'Bullshit' did not feel authentic and seemed like a marketing plot and every time it came up in the book I was like do we need to use this word so many times? Overall it is a nice read and it took me 2 days to read it.

[Audrey K · Rating 2 out of 5]

Heavier on theory and lighter on practical application than I’d hoped.

[Kelsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I appreciate this was a quick, easy, well-structured read, this book seems tailored to someone more familiar with the author's other works. I could still follow the points he was making, but felt the book would have been better if it stood on its own better instead of often referring to his previous book.

[Jacques-jude Lépine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nah! Besides obvious trivial truths, not many useful strategies. Not that the world of education is so different from the corporate world when it comes to bs, but the way to harmonious, professional relationship is not to be found in this book. Sorry.

[Thomas Harrison-Lord · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clever and makes you want to change how you operate in the workplace. Has a habit of repeating itself within the same paragraph and reference past works by the same author all too often, but the general gist of things is worth the effort.

[Matt Heimer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Apparently, I am not.