Tame Your Terrible Office Tyrant E-Book

Lynn Taylor

• Herausgeber: John Wiley & Sons
• Kategorie: Fachliteratur
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 280

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2009

Beschreibung

An indispensable guide to dealing with challenging, childish boss behavior and building a great career, with laugh- out-loud humor built in. Based on extensive interviews among workers, managers and psychologists, Tame Your Terrible Office Tyrant(TM) draws hilarious but true parallels between toddlers and managers. When under stress, both often have trouble moderating their power, or lose the ability to think rationally. Traits in common include tantrum-throwing, demanding, stubborn, moody, fickle, self-centered, needy and whiny behavior. BADD (Boss Attention Deficit Disorder) is discussed as part of "Short Attention Spans." There are 20 chapter traits in all, divided into "Bratty" and "Little Lost Lamb" categories, for easy reference, including real anecdotes and many useful tips. When bad bosses run amok in companies, nobody wins. This book shows readers how to build positive relationships with even the most out-of-control boss, and still thrive in your job. The key to success lies in dealing with a Terrible Office Tyrant (or TOT(TM)) much like a parent deals with a troublesome toddler. With true stories and time-tested solutions, this is the perfect guide managing a boss stuck in his Terrible Twos. Taylor takes you behind all the bossy blustering, so that you can focus on getting ahead - and achieve career excellence. Savvy top management will also gain insight on what not to do with their team. They know that Terrible Office Tyrant (TOT) managers may not be in plain sight (they don't leave juice stains on the hallway carpet!) But they do wreak havoc on the bottom line. A special section helps senior management and Human Resource departments mitigate TOT behavior for a more productive workplace.

Leseprobe

Table of Contents

Title Page

Copyright Page

Acknowledgements

Introduction

Getting Started: Advice for Employees

I - Bratty Behavior

Chapter 1 - Bragging

About Bragging

But Why?

“Tell Me I’m Great!”

TOT-Taming Tips: Bragging

TOT-Busters Q&A

Chapter 2 - Bullying

About Bullying

But Why?

TOT-Taming Tips: Bullying

TOT-Busters Q&A

Chapter 3 - Demanding

About Demanding

But Why?

A “Gift” from Big TOT

TOT-Taming Tips: Demanding

TOT-Busters Q&A

Chapter 4 - Ignoring

About Ignoring

But Why?

The Great Escape

The Coldest Shoulder

TOT-Taming Tips: Ignoring

TOT-Busters Q&A

Chapter 5 - Impulsiveness

About Impulsiveness

But Why?

A Great Escape

The Impetus of Impulsiveness

TOT-Taming Tips: Impulsiveness

TOT-Busters Q&A

Chapter 6 - Lying

About Lying

But Why?

The Lure of the Lie

TOT-Taming Tips: Lying

TOT-Busters Q&A

Chapter 7 - Self-Centeredness

About Self-Centeredness

But Why?

TOT-Taming Tips: Self-Centeredness

TOT-Busters Q&A

Chapter 8 - Stubbornness

About Stubbornness

But Why?

The Roots of Stubbornness

TOT-Taming Tips: Stubbornness

TOT-Busters Q&A

Chapter 9 - Tantrums

About Tantrums

But Why?

The Many Types of Tantrums

TOT-Taming Tips: Tantrums

TOT-Busters Q&A

Chapter 10 - Territorialism

About Territorialism

But Why?

Territorial TOT Types

TOT-Taming Tips: Territorialism

TOT-Busters Q&A

Chapter 11 - Whining

About Whining

But Why?

Varieties of Whining

TOT-Taming Tips: Whining

TOT-Busters Q&A

II - Little Lost Lambs

Chapter 12 - Endless Questioning

About Endless Questioning

But Why?

Answering Questions Behind Endless Questioning

TOT-Taming Tips: Endless Questioning

TOT-Busters Q&A

Chapter 13 - Fantasy World

About Fantasy World

But Why?

TOT-Taming Tips: Fantasy World

TOT-Busters Q&A

Chapter 14 - Fickleness

About Fickleness

But Why?

Where Does Fickleness Come From?

Many Forms of Fickle

TOT-Taming Tips: Fickleness

TOT-Busters Q&A

Chapter 15 - Helplessness

About Helplessness

But Why?

“I’d Rather Have You Do It”

TOT-Taming Tips: Helplessness

TOT-Busters Q&A

Chapter 16 - Irrational Fears

About Irrational Fears

But Why?

Fear Comes from Everywhere! Look out!

TOT-Taming Tips: Irrational Fears

TOT-Busters Q&A

Chapter 17 - Forgetfulness

About Forgetfulness

But Why?

Insufficient Memory Alert!

TOT-Taming Tips: Forgetfulness

TOT-Busters Q&A

Chapter 18 - Mood Swings

About Mood Swings

But Why?

Unraveling Moody Mayhem

TOT-Taming Tips: Mood Swings

TOT-Busters Q&A

Chapter 19 - Neediness

About Neediness

But Why?

Separation Anxiety and Abandonment

TOT-Taming Tips: Neediness

TOT-Busters Q&A

Chapter 20 - Short Attention Spans

About Short Attention Spans

But Why?

Boss Attention Deficit Disorder

Regaining Focus

TOT-Taming Tips: Short Attention Spans

TOT-Busters Q&A

Conclusion

Special Section: Advice for Bosses—TOT Proof Your Company

About Lynn Taylor

Index

Copyright © 2009 Lynn Taylor. All rights reserved.

Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey.

Published simultaneously in Canada.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning, or otherwise, except as permitted under Section 107 or 108 of the 1976 United States Copyright Act, without either the prior written permission of the Publisher, or authorization through payment of the appropriate per-copy fee to the Copyright Clearance Center, Inc., 222 Rosewood Drive, Danvers, MA 01923, [phone], fax [phone], or on the web at www.copyright.com. Requests to the Publisher for permission should be addressed to the Permissions Department, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030, [phone], fax [phone], or online at http://www.wiley.com/go/permissions.

Limit of Liability/Disclaimer of Warranty: While the publisher and author have used their best efforts in preparing this book, they make no representations or warranties with respect to the accuracy or completeness of the contents of this book and specifically disclaim any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. No warranty may be created or extended by sales representatives or written sales materials. The advice and strategies contained herein may not be suitable for your situation. You should consult with a professional where appropriate. Neither the publisher nor author shall be liable for any loss of profit or any other commercial damages, including but not limited to special, incidental, consequential, or other damages.

Author’s Note: TERRIBLE OFFICE TYRANT, TOT, TAME YOUR TERRIBLE OFFICE TYRANT and logo are trademarks of Lynn Taylor and are used under license.

Individuals, companies and products are mentioned by their real names in this book and related marketing materials for purposes of information and commentary only, and no affiliation, endorsement or sponsorship is claimed or suggested. All other individuals, companies, products and other particulars in this book are referenced with fictitious names, locations and descriptions, and any resemblance to real persons or products is coincidental.

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data:

Taylor, Lynn, 1957-

Tame your terrible office tyrant (TOT) : how to manage childish boss behavior and thrive in your job / by Lynn Taylor.

p. cm.

Includes index.

eISBN : 978-0-470-49860-6

1. Managing your boss. 2. Executives—Psychology. 3. Interpersonal relations. I. Title.

HF5548.83.T39 2009

650.1’3—dc22

2009004147

Acknowledgments

IT HAS BEEN a thrill to make this seven-year passion become a reality. The ability to help others through my workplace perspectives and experience, while providing some levity, is a true privilege.

Along the way, I have been supported by wonderful colleagues and friends. Special thanks to Andrea Hurst and Judy Mikalonis, my agents, for their savvy guidance; Lauren Lynch at John Wiley & Sons, Inc., for publishing this book; Mark Butler, for his sage publishing advice and expertise; Wendy White and Christi Williford for their graphic design talents; Helene Williams for her editing; Blake Loosli, illustrator; Jonathan Kirsch, legal/publishing guru; and Ellen Neuborne, Hiyaguha Cohen, and Irina Averkieff for their valuable insights and input.

Thank you to the following people for their contributions: Mary Ellen Gross, Luci Sheppard, Debbie Snow, Betsy Steiner, Mickey Freeman, Helen Kennedy, Colleen McManus, Elijah Star, Kerstine Johnson, Stephen Bonser, Carolyn McCall, Becki Clague, and Jacqueline Rubasky. I am also grateful for the bosses who mentored me throughout the years—especially those who helped me navigate through my own occasional TOT behavior!

I owe special gratitude to my parents, Norman and Homa, for their ongoing enthusiasm, and to Scott, Sue, Gordon and Lori for their support. Last but not least, thanks to Drew, for his spirited wit and participation, and Zack for his constant interest. As young boys, Drew and Zack taught me a lot about toddler training. Their joy and youthful exuberance led me to an invaluable principle: let the child inside inspire, not rule us, whether in or outside of the office!

Introduction

THERE ARE GREAT BOSSES, and there are terrible bosses, but there is no such thing as a perfect boss. No one expects a boss to be perfect, of course, but the problem is that many, if not most, people get stuck having to deal with those less-than-ideal managers. So what can you do to solve this dilemma?

After working in corporate America for 20 years, and more than half of them with companies that help people find meaningful jobs, I decided to step out to find my own passion in a way that would be personally fulfilling.

I began typing a list of what mattered to me most professionally and how I could contribute to society. I quickly realized that nothing in my own professional career would be more rewarding than to provide employees with tools and shortcuts on getting ahead.

I wanted to share my insights and experience with people to help them advance in their careers, but I knew that I had to offer some humor along the way, too.

And suddenly, it all came together. I had often joked that some bosses were just like little kids, but it soon occurred to me that it wasn’t just an off-handed quip . . . it was true! I had discovered my passion: helping workers better understand their managers by seeing the “hidden child” behind the often-frustrating behaviors of their supervisors. I saw striking parallels between troublesome bosses and toddlers—and not surprisingly, the solutions were frequently very similar as well.

At that point, the Terrible Office Tyrant (TOT) was born.

It was a natural outcome of having parented two boys, remembering vividly my babysitting and toddler-rearing days—and having “lived” and researched workplace behavior in various executive capacities. On reflection of my own corporate experience, I realized that I had unknowingly applied parenting techniques in the workplace for many years.

This “parenting” was never done in a patronizing way. Instead, I tried to put myself into my boss’s shoes. I looked for the raw, childlike motives behind their actions and personality traits, both challenging and endearing: the characteristics that comprise a TOT. Then I quietly applied the basic discipline techniques that worked most effectively with young kids.

Once I started charting how this notion worked so incredibly well in the office, I knew I had to validate my premise by researching toddler behavior more thoroughly. I talked to or videotaped more than 100 people, and independently commissioned surveys of thousands of others over a seven-year period to confirm the parallels.

The feedback was overwhelmingly positive. In fact, everyone I spoke to responded with a hearty laugh, and some version of: “Oh, I could give you tons of material!”—followed by a personal story.

Shortly after analyzing the whining, fearful, stubborn types of toddlers, I had the harsh realization that I, too, had at various times been a TOT. The more I considered the similarities between TOTs and toddlers, I realized that almost all bosses behave this way at some point. Now it was time to synthesize the solutions to the many varieties of bratty bosses and little lost lambs of the corporate world. I felt that in doing so, I could help make the workplace much more productive.

It was and continues to be a great journey.

Now, this phase of my work is done, but my adventures into the TOT world continue. I envision this as a reference guide for employees at any level who encounter one of the 20 traits outlined. I hope it will offer a “Levity Lens™” through which to view TOTs, not only in the workplace, but also in one’s personal life.

My hope, too, is that CEOs will allow the book to proliferate among the ranks of corporate managers. The results will be a more humanized workplace and enhanced profitability, creating a win-win for employees and management. Tips for CEOs are at the end of the book.

I believe that whether we’re two or fifty-two, we all have the same core emotions, desires, instincts, and yes, training needs. Each day, we have the opportunity to proactively manage the TOTs around us. By adopting a calm, rational, and professional approach at work, I believe you’ll contribute to your own career advancement, and maybe even create a more manageable workplace for others.

I hope that Tame Your Terrible Office Tyrant: How to Manage Childish Boss Behavior and Thrive in Your Job will help you see that the corner office is just a palatial playpen—and that you won’t let the pinstripes and pearls fool you for one minute. With the ideas from this book, your human instincts, and corporate savvy, I believe you’ll be able to add “TOT tamer” to your many accomplishments.

Getting Started: Advice for Employees

GETTING OUT OF BED and dragging yourself to work can be a chore even if you have the world’s greatest job. But if you’ve been hitting the snooze button repeatedly before hitting the shower, there may be something—or more likely, someone—making you want to avoid work.