The Art of Demotivation - Manager Edition: A Visionary Guide for Transforming Your Company's Least Valuable Asset - Your Employees

by E.L. Kersten

Book Overview

Motivation has become a multi-billion dollar industry, courtesy of the patronage of corporations and the noble intentions of executives who lead them. At the heart of this colossal confederation of... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1892503409
• ISBN13: 9781892503404
• Release Date: January 2003
• Publisher: Despair Ink
• Length: 243 Pages
• Weight: 1.44 lbs.

Customer Reviews

I laughed till I cried....

You have to know www.despair.com to fully appreciate this book. It reads very droll, very matter-of-fact...but is an hilarious send up about management style....I laughed until I cried....I cried because I realized that this was PRECISELY the managament style of MY corporate master!!! Even though this is 'disguised' as a true management book....[it even comes with an alternate cover "cloaking device" to disguise the actual cover lest employees learn that their management has truly has a calculated approach for demoralizing and devaluing them!]....but, did I mention that it is funny...unless you're being treated at your own work with the methods described in this book. Did I mention that it's funny?

It is indeed out of print (for now)

Here is the latest response from the publisher of this book - "Unfortunately, we're completely out of The Art of Demotivation. The manager edition might make an appearance after the beginning of the year [2009], but the executive edition probably won't be back in stock until the 2nd edition prints later in 2009."

How Can I Help You?

Dr. Kersten has made a tidy business out of ripping the motivational industry a new one. I had thought that his riff would have run its course by now, but it sure seems to be going strong. And that's something Dr. K earned. If all you know about [...] is the poster series, this (apparently hard-to-find) book will change your mind. Dr. K helps us understand that this generation of Human Resources practitioners have accepted an "Age of Shamans." Somehow we've been induced to accept buzzwords and platitudes as acceptable, or even desirable substitutes for common sense in treating people, not to mention the golden rule. Take it from me, the guy's got something to say which you'd benefit hearing. He's not just about irony and cynicism [although I confess to enjoying that, too].

A Parody That Motivates

The author is the creator of the Despair posters. He uses sarcasm to bring out truth in management practice. This book does the same. As I read, I found myself imagining some other executives I've worked with nodding their heads as they read the book and mumbling to themselves, "Yeah, that's right I should just tell them to shut up or I'll replace you." It's easy to imagine "the other guy" doing all these things. Just like as we read the usual leadership or management book we consider that we pretty much already do all that stuff anyway but maybe could apply a point or two. That's the trouble with humans, we easily see the faults of others but evaluate ourselves as pretty much okay. Here's where the book got me... I starting seeing my own actions in Kersten's parody. I cringed and thought, "Oh, I do that!" Humbling. And instructive. I found it highly motivational and funny! The Art of Demotivation is still in print and available. The author's web site also features hilarious video vignettes demonstrating the art of demotivation.

What is funnier than the truth?

As an MBA student I have been exposed to a majority of the business approaches available. Dr. Kersten uses his depth of knowledge in Business gained at Harvard to deconstuct everything you ever learned about management. While I believe the general thrust is comedy and it certainly delivers, you wil be amazed at how much useful information is available in this book.