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S. Jones

Humorous with Good Ideas

Reviewed in the United States on August 20, 2018

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If I spend $10-20 on a book and get a few nuggets of wisdom I can use for the rest of my life, then I think that's a worthwhile expense. This semi-humorous book by Dr. John Hoover DOES answer the question: How do you work for an “idiot” (while making sure YOU are not the idiot)? The first two or three chapters are required reading; the rest contain good advice even if you don’t work for the specific type of manager the chapter describes. Mostly, Dr. Hoover’s advice is directed at the part of the employee-boss relationship we can control: ourselves. I read it while awaiting the arrival of a new boss after my previous boss of 10 years had been demoted (but might not have been if he had read this book), and I thank Dr. Hoover for helping me achieve the right attitude. One caveat, though: this is not a book that aims to validate your contempt for the boss you already have but to help you learn what you can do to improve your relationship and why that should be important to you.

Harsh Language but Good Message

Reviewed in the United States on February 8, 2010

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There's something to understand up front with "How to Work for an Idiot" by John Hoover. It is VERY in your face, confrontational, aggressive. It throws around the word "idiot" constantly, as if your boss was severely brain damaged and it was OK to laugh about it with your co-workers. You need to have a fairly thick skin - and be able to take everything he says with a grain of salt - to be able to get through this book.

The book does have some important messages in with its almost abusive language. Learn what sets YOU off. Something that may drive you insane might be mild and non-concerning to others. Learn your own strengths and weaknesses. If you map out your own triggers, you can be aware of when they start to get set off.

Try to be supportive, even when it's challenging - it reciprocates across the system. Often your boss - no matter how poorly performing - based his own style off of HIS boss and thinks it's normal. So learn your own sensitivities, read books on management and begin to demonstrate good techniques TO him. He may pick up on them and start to learn.

Respond quickly and enthusiastically do good things (no matter how small). On the other hand, ignore or go slowly with any inappropriate situations. Use psychology to deliberately reinforce positive behavior and steer it.

There are lots of different boss styles to distinguish, from idiots to Gods, from Machiavellian to others. The book makes jokes about how the bosses got that way. I admit I was laughing at a few of them. Whatever your boss's style, communicate with them. Show you can be trusted. Learn to be serene with what you have. Don't obsess about being "right" - let that go, and aim for harmony. No matter what you do, no boss is going to be perfect. Accept the reality of the situation. Seek positive change, find common interests.

Try not to bash and rebel. That only makes things worse. You work for YOURSELF - for your own goals - not for his. Make sure you focus on making your own life smooth and quiet. Learn his hobbies, speak his language to communicate more clearly.

Resentment doesn't relax you or make you happy. Let it go. A great, upbeat employee can really have an incredibly powerful affect on the entire office.

So these are all REALLY important messages for any employee to absorb - no matter what type of boss you have. My concern is with the language. It's very harsh and at times abusive. If you are someone who doesn't "need" this type of language to get a message, you could easily find it offensive. But if you're a person who need it told straight to get the message, this book can be right up your alley.

sandoval

The Best Down to Earth advice I have ever seen in a Management Book

Reviewed in the United States on August 18, 2020

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At the beginning I was a little hesitant to take the book seriously, but after reading more and more I started to understand that all was really good advice and that all the explaining made a lot of sense. It gave me new perspective and better comprehension of myself and my boss and helped me find a way to really succeed in my actual relationship with my current boss.

Jheff

I am enjoying.

Reviewed in the United States on April 4, 2019

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I am enjoying so far, it helps you to get less stress because other stupid people.

Sedulous

For those who work for EXCELLENT bosses also!

Reviewed in the United States on July 26, 2014

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If you only ever read one book about the working life -- this is it! Work can be frustrating even if have high regard for your managers (like I do - all kidding aside).

No joke -- even my family noticed the difference within a day of me starting the book.

This book actually applies to most human relationships. It helps you understand the one or two key behaviors that are highly portable for successful relationships.

The author starts out quickly, and describes much of the modern work environment.

Unlike many other authors, within a matter of pages the main issue is exposed in a very enlightening way. In fact, if you were to just look up the boss-personality you were having a challenge with you would probably have to go to the beginning to get the underlying premise.

The is one sentence that is key to the book - and hard to miss. If you do miss it, the rest will be less helpful.

The author spends the rest of the book describing how to apply the main principle to the dozen or more different boss types.

Finally, ***this book does require action on the reader's part to be effective!*** But you and everyone around will notice the difference. And you will be glad you purchased it.

Purchasing the paperback and Kindle editions is a good idea. I'll get the audio version if it comes out!

josh

This is a very good read

Reviewed in the United States on November 11, 2018

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This book really made me take a good look at myself and my boss. It can help you decipher and cope at work..

charles c.

Good price

Reviewed in the United States on February 10, 2019

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Great value

AlexP

Five Stars

Reviewed in the United States on July 20, 2018

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good

Top reviews from other countries

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Jill

Purchased as a gift

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 21, 2017

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Great laugh, although Purchased as a gift

Moz

Not a good buy

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 27, 2012

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Will keep this brief. Did not enjoy this book at all. It is very business like in its approach and I found it very easy to put down.

Have to apologise to the author for this review but it just wasn't for me.

Darryn

Quite a good read and also just having it casually on my ...

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 11, 2017

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Quite a good read and also just having it casually on my desk at work, really annoys my boss.. Which is a bonus.

Cliente Kindle

Ótima leitura!

Reviewed in Brazil on September 13, 2020

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Leitura indicada à pessoas que possuem uma elevada expectativa sobre as atitudes dos outros (nesse caso seus líderes). Também para entender como reagir em diferentes situações criando vínculos com pessoas que possuem influência dentro de uma organização e que podem te ajudar de alguma maneira a ascender na sua carreira.

Barbara

Contenuti

Reviewed in Italy on March 31, 2020

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Affronta in modo leggero argomenti che a volte rendono l'ambiente del lavoro un vero inferno.
E' stata una piacevolissima sorpresa
Ne consiglio la lettura, aiuta a sdramatizzare

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