I have a tip too: quit! If you're can create other options for yourself, either move on or go freelance. It's a shame to have to work in a toxic environment.

;-)

Hmmm.... You know I love and follow your stuff, Michelle, but....

Part of the problem is journalists are referring to books like this and guys like these, a "contributing editor for Playboy... and a branding expert who dreams up names for countless products" which gives them credibility. In other stories, people with titles like "analyst" or "consultant" are referred to, and their ideas are trotted out.

The only careers these guys are helping is their own.

These guys can write what they want, and good luck with that, but we all have opinions, don't we.

I'm all for free speech, but when they espouse to actually have solutions, I'd like to see the data behind their opinions. Otherwise, it is just another career-fix snake-oil salesman: These Ten Tips Will Get You The Job You Want!

Puhlleeez....

Hi Andy, I appreciate all opinions, so thank you for your comment. Regardless of what you think of the authors and their book, I have spoken with and met many professionals who ward off office distractions/unproductive coworkers using tactics like these, FWIW. It doesn't work in every job and workplace of course, but in the right company culture, making your office less inviting or blocking out Friday mornings on your calendar could be worth a shot.

Andy, I know exactly where you're coming from but, having literally written the book, I know that we did hours of interviews and a ton of research into scientific findings surrounding work habits, workplaces and what motivates people and their behavior on the job. What Jonathan Littman & I put forth in "I Hate People!" are NOT just our opinions but the result of just the kind of data that you're looking for.

The first chapter is free to browse online at both Amazon.com and BarnesAndNoble.com -- why not check it out for free and see what you think?

Cheers,
Marc

Yes, journalists do write books. Authors write books too. I Hate People is my 8th book. Two that I co-authored were bestsellers -- the Art of Innovation and the Ten Faces of Innovation. For the latest book, I did a lot of research with my co-author Marc Hershon. As Marc points out we have sample chapters to browse at Amazon and Barnes and Noble online. One of the things we talk about in the book are some of the behaviors that can hold us back -- such as the Stop Sign. Hope you find our ideas worth entertaining. best, Jon

Marc, Jonathan and of course Michelle,

Shocked and pleased to know my comments not only got read, but by the actual authors. Pretty neat.

I was actually reading more of your advice on interviewing on Hotjobs today (don't sweat or wear T-shirts were two that I remember) and I saw your names, and I wondered if I remembered right- that you were the same guys giving this advice as well. I checked and you were.

I am a career and employment counselor, and I find articles that suggest 5 things to do or not do (on almost any subject) infuriating. Smile, but don't smile TOO much. I guess if you don't get the job, it was the smiling thing.

But I did want to give your work at least a look, and read the first chapter of the book- and quite liked it. It isn't the exact vein I see myself in, but it certainly describes the scenario I've been talking about in my own work, and I want to be open to your ideas.

I plan to buy your book despite my reservations, and give it a read. Your ADVICE, at least in the truncated, web-based forms I've seen it, is, in my opinion as a career counselor, terrible or obvious, but that might be due to the slapped together version they throw up on the net. I will read your work in its entirety, and will try to find value in it, as I did in the first chapter I read.

Mr. Littman, regarding your publishing multiple books: Good for you, I guess. Glad they were best sellers.

But that was sort of my point- we are fed this line that people like you- famous people, best-selling people, celebrities- are experts of some sorts, and that once they are accepted as an expert on one thing, everything they say is golden. Maybe you are an expert on innovation, for instance, but your career advice, from what I've read, is off target.

It is just my opinion as a career professional, and I plan to read the book and follow up on this blog after I read your work as well.

Thanks

Andy

Back on topic:

I've found that one of the most effective methods of staving off demanding co-workers is to refuse to engage. When a flurry of emails is sailing around the office, or a whining session has commenced for the eighth time in an hour, sometimes the best course of action is to stay OUT of it. When they come knocking, follow through with the same protocol.

Refrain from commenting.
Refuse to engage.
Regain your sanity.