How to Work with Jerks

Book excerpt: No matter how talented, gifted or experienced, and no matter what role we serve or title we carry, our level of success isn't measured based on the work we produce; it's measured based on the relationships we build. Whatever you do and wherever you work -- jerks are all around you. And without a clear strategy for working with these difficult people, we inevitably suffer and risk failure on the job and in our careers. This book offers that strategy. How to Work with Jerks is a training guide for dealing with jerks in the workplace, complete with proven methods and frameworks for handling conflict with people who are: -Rude, bossy, sarcastic, inflexible or narcissistic -Prone to stealing credit and attention -Poor listeners and poor communicators -Hell-bent on creating toxic environments based on fear and distrust Eric Williamson provides solutions sought by professionals and leaders about how to motivate and retain their staff and continue getting the maximum productivity out of them. His practical, no-nonsense book also answers the questions asked by all employees about how to stay motivated in a job they can't stand while learning the necessary skills to make them marketable in today's uncertain job market. Thoroughly examined in the book are Williamson's "5 Star Traits" of recognition, poise, perspective, drive and rapport -- timeless tools that will arm you to get things done more effectively even with true jerks in the workplace. These traits reflect what we need in today's multi-generational work environment, where people feel over managed and under led, to improve production and work better with our colleagues, especially jerks. Written for employees, employers, business leaders, entrepreneurs and people of all generations interested in career success, this book is a survival guide for motivating, retaining and leveraging top talent, and connecting with colleagues so you can work together to solve problems and get work done. For Managers and Employees Alike How to Work with Jerks provides solutions sought by professionals and leaders about how to motivate and retain their staff and achieve maximum productivity. This book also answers the questions asked by all employees about how to stay motivated in a job they can't stand while learning the necessary skills to make them marketable in today's uncertain job market. Regardless of the generation to which you belong, you will gain skills that will help you: -Earn promotions -Work well with others -Become more marketable -Gain the confidence and skill sets to pursue and achieve your dreams -Manage stress at work. Bonus! Workbook-style activities help you understand: -How to change your leadership style when dealing with conflict. -What it takes to step outside your comfort zone to achieve success and tap into your full potential. We don't always get to choose the people we work with. We do, however, get to choose how we handle the relationships with the people we work with. Isn't it time to get stuff done with people you can't stand? What Others Are Saying: "This book is your 21st Century road map for getting things done while working with somebody you don't want to be around." --Craig Valentine, MBA, World Champion of Public Speaking; Founder, Speak and Prosper Academy "Jerks are everywhere! Dealing with the 'work jerk' can be a taxing experience, but with this book, Williamson provides readers with practical solutions for conflict management that are effective and productive. Don't let jerks mess with your mojo!" --Jeffrey Hayzlett, Primetime TV & Podcast Host, Speaker, Author and Part-Time Cowboy "How to Work with Jerks is a survival guide for the modern era!" --Lois Creamer, Aut