Clever and convincing! I agreed to review this copy because I'm currently dealing with a colleague making my life miserable. I not only found lots of practical advice, but also realized that I fall into a few "work jerk" categories myself and will consciously try to do better with the help of this book.

It's evident that the author has had a great deal of experience in counseling bosses and employees in a variety of settings. I found it off-putting to be reminded of that in every chapter, though. (So-and-So showed up in my office...contacted me to talk about a problem...responded to a call...manager suggested they meet with me...came to me...came to me...came to me...) Once you've established yourself as an expert in the field, it helps me as a reader if you simply relate the facts of each case after that, not how much you're sought-after.

In one of the final chapters, there's a too-short section on whistle-blowers that didn't, in my view, offer any real suggestions and, in fact, made me feel like it would be better to leave a company than challenge anyone higher-up. I was hoping for more there.

Those things aside, I finished the book having gained some insights that I will be putting to use immediately. For example, "You don't have to like this person to notice they did something good. If you don't like them, it's even more important you look for what they do well and comment. Otherwise, you're likely to be biased to the negative."

True. I've been so upset by what this one particular person has done to me that I haven't even tried to see any good. That doesn't help promote a positive work environment, and it's also been affecting my health because I'm so stressed. Thank you, Ms. Carnachan, for getting me to view some people and situations through a different lens. ( )