Now with a new chapter that focuses on what great bosses really do. Dr. Sutton reveals new insights that he's learned since the writing of Good Boss, Bad Boss. Sutton adds revelatory thoughts about such legendary bosses as Ed Catmull, Steve Jobs, A.G. Lafley, and many more, and how you can implement their techniques.
If you are a boss who wants to do great work, what can you do about it? Good Boss, Bad Boss is devoted to answering that question. Stanford Professor Robert Sutton weaves together the best psychological and management research with compelling stories and cases to reveal the mindset and moves of the best (and worst) bosses. This book was inspired by the deluge of emails, research, phone calls, and conversations that Dr. Sutton experienced after publishing his blockbuster bestseller The No Asshole Rule. He realized that most of these stories and studies swirled around a central figure in every workplace: THE BOSS. These heart-breaking, inspiring, and sometimes funny stories taught Sutton that most bosses - and their followers - wanted a lot more than just a jerk-free workplace. They aspired to become (or work for) an all-around great boss, somebody with the skill and grit to inspire superior work, commitment, and dignity among their charges.
As Dr. Sutton digs into the nitty-gritty of what the best (and worst) bosses do, a theme runs throughout Good Boss, Bad Boss - which brings together the diverse lessons and is a hallmark of great bosses: They work doggedly to "stay in tune" with how their followers (and superiors, peers, and customers too) react to what they say and do.
The best bosses are acutely aware that their success depends on having the self-awareness to control their moods and moves, to accurately interpret their impact on others, and to make adjustments on the fly that continuously spark effort, dignity, and pride among their people.
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"Sutton takes a look at the negative aspects of assholes in the workplace, how they affect productivity and what you can do about it. I found the book to be very down to earth. Short enough to get the info across but long enough to cover the subject. Surprisingly better than I thought it would be. "
— Mark (4 out of 5 stars)
“Good Boss, Bad Boss teaches the art and the science of practical leadership for the twenty-first century. I would consider it a must-read for anyone looking to improve their impact and accelerate their desired outcomes.”
— Brad Smith, CEO of Intuit“Using real-life examples and insight gleaned from thirty years of experience as a manager, Sutton teaches his readers to become the boss employees enthusiastically want to work for. This entertaining, satisfying guide is a wakeup call for bosses everywhere—and a survival guide for those who work for them.”
— Publishers Weekly“Walter makes Sutton’s no-nonsense views and straight-from-the-hip wording flow naturally. His delivery of the stories and studies that support Sutton’s discussion of bosses good and bad is flawless.”
— AudioFile“Sutton convincingly illustrates the need for education and change and stresses that leaders should keep one question in mind: ‘I wonder, dear bosses, what would your people say about you?’”
— BookPage" This is more than just "another leadership book." In his blog and books, Bob Sutton describes some of the behaviors and patterns that can build a strong organization -- or undermine one. This is a quick read, with good takeaway value. "
— Michele, 2/9/2014" A must read. Solid evidence and techniques. Sutton's "No %&%$$# Rule" book was great and this builds on it providing insights and lessons from the good, the bad and the ugly. "
— Peter, 1/28/2014" Nothing unusual here, but it's always good to be reminded of the basics. "
— Caro, 1/4/2014" Pretty sure that bosses who need to read this aren't the ones picking it up...but this book from the author of "The No Asshole Rule" shares examples of what to do and what not to do as a manager. Entertaining and inspirational for both beginning and seasoned supervisors. "
— Tricia, 12/23/2013" it was ok, it was like another book i read (can't find the name of it just now) but with more filler words and anecdotes. good points "
— Spazfungus, 12/16/2013" So far so good ...quite appealing "
— Arlene, 12/7/2013" Practical, sensible advice written in an accessible format. Coherently articulates many thoughts and theories you might know but couldn't exactly put a finger on. What Robert Sutton says isn't rocket science but it does make you stop and think. "
— Claire, 12/3/2013" I really enjoyed this..clear language supported by amusing stories and a summary at the end of every chapter. Nothing earth shattering but I will probably refer back to it in the future. "
— Elisabeth, 12/1/2013" So far, so good...definitely reminds me of what I am doing wrong... "
— Joyce, 11/15/2013" Some good no-nonsense advice here. And Sutton does a good job of using relevant anecdotes and stories. And doesn't try to develop some complex. Just an over-all principle (this book grew out of reaction to his "no assholes" [in the workplace] book) and some lists of dos and don'ts. "
— Wm, 11/3/2013" If you're a manager this is a good read for you. Shows how clueless you probably are and how your subordinates truly view you. "
— Flavil, 10/29/2013" This was a decent book, but not the first I'd recommend to people looking for books on how to be a better leader or manager. "
— Michael, 5/8/2013" Another great book by Sutton. I always walk away from his books with a fresh perspective. "
— Michael, 4/21/2013" Excellent! Everyone should read this - except the bossholes out there... "
— Edward, 3/21/2013" If you work with other human beings, and want them to think of you as a human being as well, you must read this book. The author provides solid advice with real evidence via business anecdotes and behavioral research to back up the golden rule of Treating Others As You Would Treat Yourself. "
— Melissa, 2/24/2013" EXCELLENT. Full of great anecdotal stories and pragmatic approaches to being a great boss (leader)...and being a not-so-great boss. Worth the read for anyone who has a boss or is a boss - which pretty much covers everyone. "
— Chris, 8/8/2012" I remember 15 years ago reading a book about learning good web design from bad web design. This book does the same how to learn to manage well from bad bosses and great checklist and description of good management in an easy to read book "
— Bjorn, 3/18/2012" An excellent read for bosses of all kinds. Words of wisdom. "
— Brendan, 2/22/2012" Well worth the time to read. Excellent counsel illustrated through many short stories from the real world. "
— Scott, 11/20/2011" A great book filled with fascinating anecdotes about bosses that make you cringe and leaders who make you feel inspired. "
— Jennifer, 9/11/2011" I will always have mad love for this book - not just because it's interesting and well-written, but because it has introduced me to "Bosshole." A combination of Asshole + Boss. Bwuahahahahahahahaha! "
— Heather, 8/12/2011" This is another fabulous foray into the Ivory Tower. I obtained it through ILL and highly recommend. Thanks to RTS for sharing the blog post that reminded me of it. "
— Amy, 5/9/2011" My guess is that usually assholes read this, so they can call other people assholes. It puts almost everything in a negative light. However, as it was for work, I read it. "
— Gennielc, 4/26/2011" Helped me quit my last job :-) "
— Dianne, 4/26/2011" Talk about a fun read!!! I loved the style of this book where it helps the reader identify assholes and know how to deal with them because heaven know planet earth will NEVER run out of that abundant resource! "
— Hashim, 4/21/2011" Some good tips in here on avoiding unpleasant workplace interactions. I'm not sure though, that when the time comes I will be able to recall a specific strategy to use to curtail the a-holery. That might just be me though! "
— Rachael, 4/12/2011" Es ist polemisch und treffend geschrieben, teilweise wiederholt es sich aber. Andererseits kann man bestimmte Dinge auch nicht oft genug sagen und eins davon ist: Arschlöcher gehören gestoppt! "
— Hanee, 3/26/2011" Nothing wonderful. Every workplace needs a rule prohibiting the hiring or promotion of jerks. The interesting thing is that the author seems to recognize that everyone is one. Or has an inner one. "
— Mike, 3/17/2011" Interesting book. Worth the read, especially since my office had a huge one. "
— Tony, 2/14/2011" Too bad I didn't read this about five years ago! "
— Amy, 2/4/2011" Example after example after example of people that fit the rule. Book could have been 3 chapters long and it still would have been too long. No real substance on how to deal with this type of person. "
— Steve, 2/2/2011" Sutton pulls real-life examples across organizational history to illustrate his point. It's a must-read for anyone who has worked for or within an organization where assholes reign. "
— Caroline, 1/31/2011Robert I. Sutton is professor of management science and engineering at Stanford University, where he is co-founder of the Center for Work Technology and Organizations, Stanford Technology Ventures Program, and Institute of Design. He was named as one of ten “B-School All-Stars” by BusinessWeek, which they described as “professors who are influencing contemporary business thinking far beyond academia.” His books include The Knowing-Doing Gap, Weird Ideas the Work, and two New York Times bestsellers, The No Asshole Rule and Good Boss, Bad Boss.
Bob Walter is a producer, director, and audiobook narrator. He is best known for his work as a music producer and sound effects designer for the movies Halloween, The Little Brave Toaster, and Apocalypse Now. His audiobook narrations include several nonfiction and fiction titles from Hachette, Random House, and HarperCollins, among others.