Decoding the Workplace

50 Keys to Understanding People in Organizations

By: John Ballard PhD

Narrated by: Timothy Andrés Pabon

This highly enjoyable career development book reveals dynamic aspects of the workplace that are hidden to many, ignored by others - factors that can make or break careers.

• Provides easy-to-understand information that allows listeners to better understand the workplace around them, the behavior of others, and even themselves.
• Offers proven advice that can help listeners be more effective, regardless of what stage they are in their careers.
• Discusses 50 keys for unlocking the workplace and illustrates key concepts through dozens of stories and practical examples.
• Presents insights grounded in what management scholars know about human behavior, management, and the workplace.

©2015 John Ballard, PhD (P)2018 Gildan Media

The Best Book for Navigating the Workplace

I enjoyed Dr. Ballard's book immensely when it was initially released, and I purchased the audiobook to "re-read" it during some long drives. As a younger professional, it was helpful for me to take a step back and apply a number of these concepts to my relatively limited workplace experiences and either have my current understanding of the workplace reinforced or challenged. I particularly enjoyed how Dr. Ballard explained the importance of workplace culture. I never truly appreciated how pronounced the differences can be between functionally similar offices in the same organization that are located in different parts of the country. For example, when I moved from a large city in the Northeast to an office for the same organization in a small southern city, I kept finding differences in how people would react to the same type of conduct. Lengthy office functions that would have been viewed as a waste of time up north were considered sacrosanct in the new office, and some behaviors that would have been looked upon very favorably up north (trying to make a splash by volunteering for more difficult assignments as the new guy in the office) would cause someone to be seen as out of place down here.

Dr. Ballard's explanation of organizational culture (and regional differences) helped me make sense of a number of confusing things I had noticed in the workplace. I highly recommend this book to anyone in the workplace- especially millennials. You will not be disappointed.