45 Things You Do That Drive Your Boss Crazy--And How to Avoid Them

By Anita Bruzzese

A veteran career columnist shows employees how to avoid getting bounced out the door. In colorful letters from outraged managers as well as mystified employees who can't seem to figure out why they're not getting ahead, career columnist Anita Bruzzese gets an inside view on the types of behavior bosses love and reward- and all the unspoken things, large and small, that they can't stand. In this engaging and much-needed book, she reveals the most common complaints from bosses about what their employees are doing wrong-from copying the wrong people on e-mail to kicking the soda machine in a moment of rage to blogging about their jobs-and offers advice on how to shape up and work right.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0399533176
• ISBN13: 9780399533174
• Release Date: February 2007
• Publisher: Perigee Trade
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 0.56 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.2" x 0.7" x 5.5"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 12 and higher

Customer Reviews

Basic workplace manual

The coal mine canary was a low-tech but effective early warning device that miners used to detect dangerous poison gases in the mineshafts. Anita Bruzzese performs a similar warning function for the modern workplace. Since 1992, she has written about its various ills, as well as reporting on general workplace topics in her popular, insightful weekly column "On the Job." To develop her book, Bruzzese culled through hundreds of letters she received from workers asking for advice about problems they encounter at work (many of which they create themselves). Bruzzese is a leading authority on all things office-related. getAbstract suggests that she can teach you a lot about what constitutes acceptable - and not so acceptable - workplace behavior. This book is ideal for any employee who wants to know what mistakes to avoid in order to stay in the boss's good graces and to get ahead at work.

Good for the recent graduate

Pretty basic stuff, but nevertheless, it's a good read, perfect for the recent graduate or others who are new to the work force.

Essential for keeping yoru career on track!

"In her writing style that engages millions of readers ever day, Bruzzese reveals the most important strategies to keep your career on track. It's loaded with practical advice, and it will help you build a better career as you laugh along the way. If you don't read this book, I hope you enjoy watching everyone else get promoted."

Right on Target

I have worked in the business world for over 30 years - and never realized that everyone faces the same weird, annoying, and maddening problems at work every day. The rules for behavior at work are covered - and solutions to help you deal with those who don't follow the rules - or even know the rules exist - are also covered. This book was written in a down-to-earth manner - a very easy read!

Don't Go to Work Without This Book

In Anita Bruzzese's syndicated column "On the Job," and in her numerous magazine articles, readers have become accustomed to her invigorating writing style, with these prominent characteristics: --Clear, simple yet colorful language --True relevant incidents that illustrate her points --Tasteful wit, not overcooked --Practical steps for solving every problem she identifies Without fail, Bruzzese scratches readers where they itch. In fact, hers is not armchair counsel. "I work for a living," she explains in this book's Introduction, "and have since I was fifteen." Beyond her own experience, she draws on the hundreds of letters she receives from readers, and "hundreds of interviews I have done with company managers and career experts." Her conclusion: "Something is seriously wrong here, folks." In 45 Things You Do, Bruzzese spotlights what's wrong--what we do, or don't do, on the job and even off duty that jeopardizes our standing with the boss, and frequently annoys our work associates as well. Office romance, enjoying the office holiday season party too much, inappopriate clothing, gossiping, crying at work--nothing offensive escapes her sleuthing eye. In every case, fortunately, she tells us how to eliminate toxic behavior from our professional life. I wish this very helpful book had been available when I started my twenty-three year management career. I would have benefited two ways. First, I would have avoided stupid blunders of my own that angered my bosses and threatened my career. The unfortunate part was that I didn't consider my behavior risky, much less out of bounds. Yet with each careless act, my bosses must have moved me into the "do not promote" category. Second, I would have made this book required reading for every person I supervised, so they would ease my mind and improve their performance dramatically. Now that I serve as a consultant and coach for top-level corporations, I will recommend 45 Things You Do to my clients. They will thank me, and will praise Anita Bruzzese for her terrific practical guidelines. As I titled this review, Don't Go to Work Without This Book. And once you have read it, distribute copies to your colleagues. Soon, your boss won't be angry, your place of business will enjoy more harmony, and productivity will increase markedly. --Bill Lampton, author of The Complete Communicator: Change Your Communication, Change Your Life! President, Championship Communication.The Complete Communicator: Change Your Communication-change Your Life!