Yet another selfish baby boomer sinks basic civility to get our attention. I think we have heard enough from the generation that thinks behaving like a petulant adolescent is a virtue. If he can't take the time to address us like adults, or articulate exactly what he means by 'a**hole' what's the sense in taking advice from him?
..and now that he has grabbed our attention, what do we get? fluff. Another article padded into a book, which plenty of examples of unpleasant people at work but little substance how to deal with them, or the unpleasant fact that it's often effective form of management- think of the marines for example and toughening up of mama's boys.
Of course with the baby boom generation it's all about me me me and my feelings. Spare me.
The above review just appeared on Amazon. Sorry, the screen shot didn't work (at least for me) but so I had to do cut and paste, you can see the original here.
When I first started writing books, I would take every negative Amazon review personally. And I confess that when they are careful, thoughtful, and negative, they still sting. But I have learned to enjoy, even relish, the outrageous ones. This one certainly qualifies. I plead guilty to being a baby boomer and to selecting -- really insisting on -- The No Asshole Rule title. My favorite line in the review is "toughening up the mama's boys." Great stuff.
P.S. It is a good time to buy this book for mama's boys. Apparently, Amazon bought a bunch from the now-defunct Border's and you can get the No Asshole Rule paperback there for six bucks. These bargain books produce a much lower royalty rate to authors, but are a great deal for readers. I don't know how many they have; there was a bargain version of Good Boss, Bad Boss last week, but it sold out.
For what it’s worth, I am grateful that your voice on civility in the workplace is out there. From one boomer to another, thank you.
Posted by: Susan Barrett Kelly | October 31, 2011 at 05:24 PM
I've recommended the No Asshole Rule to so many that I've lost count. Now if only more leaders would demand behavior change or show them the door!
Posted by: Denise Brouillette | October 30, 2011 at 09:21 AM
I continue to admire your transparency, Bob. There's a short list of blogs I follow closely. Between your passion for evidence-based insights and your gifted way of putting them into words, I'm a better leader because of you.
And BTW, thanks to you, I interviewed Steve Kramer this morning about his and Teresa's book The Progress Principle for our podcast. Your enthusiastic endorsement of their book was the catalyst for me.
Thanks, and keep up the great work! Here's 5 Stars from Chicago! :)
Posted by: Andy_Kaufman | October 26, 2011 at 03:17 PM
Bob,
I found your book to be outstanding and have recommended it to others. I am trying to get the 13 owners of my firm to read it so some of them can recognize why they are driving good people away from our firm. So far, only 1 has read it but he isn't one of the a-holes. Thanks for the great book. I refer to it often.
Lisa
Posted by: Lisa | October 24, 2011 at 12:23 PM
Kelley,
Thanks for the note and the great link. Alas, I think my post reminded another writer to do her Amazon review and she put up a 2 star. Oh well...
Posted by: Bob Sutton | October 24, 2011 at 10:20 AM
T.G.
Thanks for the comment; I really resisted writing that chapter, but as there is pretty good evidence that, under some conditions,leaving others feeling demeaned and de-energized -- and intimidated -- helps individuals be seen as powerful and to get ahead (especially in I-win you lose systems), I felt compelled to talk about the evidence. Note that such behavior usually does damage to others and undermines organizational performance. And as I say, if you are winner and an asshole, you are still an asshole -- and a loser to me.
Posted by: Bob Sutton | October 24, 2011 at 10:19 AM
Hi Bob,
I just read your TNAR book in paperback. I wish I had read your book years ago. I have mixed feelings about chapter 6 which is a strange chapter in an otherwise excellent book.
I wonder what you think about asshole interviewers who like to play head games with job candidates. I will email you later with more details. Thanks.
-T.G.
New York
Posted by: T.G. | October 24, 2011 at 07:28 AM
Bob, well done for posting your one-star review! You've just joined a distinguished and rowdy crew of authors who have decided that we can survive a stranger's disapproval of our work, even a vehement one.
One of science fiction's most successful authors, John Scalzi, occasionally posts his one-star reviews and invites other writers to do the same. I thought you might enjoy knowing you're not alone (big smile): http://whatever.scalzi.com/2008/04/29/one-star-review-roundup-part-the-first/
Posted by: Kelley Eskridge | October 23, 2011 at 04:10 PM