NEW BOOK
“That Was Zen, This Is WOW: 232 Ideas for Transforming Your Life From Ordinary to Extraordinary,” by Robert Engelman and Russell Riendeau, Eyecatcher Press, $12.95
What you’ll learn: At 4 inches by 5 inches, the book easily fits in your desk drawer or briefcase. Think of it as a quick-reference, common-sense guide that will help you make sense of the nonsense and frustration around you.
Every idea contains a kernel of wisdom. An example, No. 52: “People associate change with giving something up. Not true. Non-change gives up our opportunity to experience something new.” The kernel is that businesses change to move forward, not backward. Here’s another: “Keep your camera ready at all times.” The kernel is to be observant and catalog your pictures and use them to make a connect-the-dots portfolio of problem-solving ideas.
–Jim Pawlak, BizBooks
NEW BOOK
“You Can’t Talk to Me That Way! Stopping Toxic Language in the Workplace,” by Arthur Bell, Career Press, $14.99
What you’ll learn: The quickest way to build a wall between you and a co-worker is to use toxic language. When managers and supervisors use such language, the employee may become withdrawn, performance suffers and criticism escalates. Or he or she may lash back, getting the grapevine buzzing and lowering overall morale.
Bell offers these strategies to victims of verbal abuse at work. When it happens, say in a calm voice, slowly: “Stop. I’m willing to have this conversation, but I’m not willing to be shouted at.” Or, “Call me when we can have a rational conversation and I’ll be glad to meet with you.” Then leave without another word.
Quickly do a written recap of both sides of the entire conversation, not just the abusive portion. See if you threw any verbal gas on the fire.
–Jim Pawlak, BizBooks
