The Schmuck in My Office: How to Deal Effectively with Difficult People at Work

Foster, chair of the psychiatry department at Pennsylvania Hospital, and Joy, a psychiatry resident at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, explore a topic just about everyone in the workplace can relate to: dealing with colleagues whose habits disrupt workflow and cause a variety of problems. The good news is that these types of behaviors, including bullying, micromanaging, and acting entitled, can all be addressed and corrected. The authors show how to identify disruptions, discuss the personality traits responsible, and share effective responses. They list disruptive personality types, including “drama kings and queens,” ”bean counter” types who bottleneck progress, and oddballs who just don’t fit in. They also invite readers to ponder whether they themselves are the “office schmucks.” Along the way, they share cringeworthy stories of difficult behavior and successful turnarounds that inspire. This is a timely must-read for managers and anyone who has ever had to deal with a difficult coworker; it addresses a ubiquitous problem in a proactive, positive manner that should get the desired results.[em] Agent: Eric Lupfer, William Morris Endeavor. (Apr.) [/em]